Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo has defended the recent closure of seven courts in the Upper East Region, a decision prompted by escalating security concerns related to the ongoing Bawku conflict.
Her remarks came during the launch of the fifth edition of the Manual on Election Adjudication on October 31, 2024, at the Law Court Complex Auditorium in Accra.
The temporary closure of the courts, which took effect on October 29, 2024, followed reports of rising security threats faced by court staff and judges in the affected areas. The courts affected include the Bawku District Court and the Bolgatanga Circuit Court, raising concerns about access to justice for local residents.
Justice Cyra Pamela Koranteng, Secretary of the Judicial Service, also instructed court registrars to protect court assets and urged staff to prioritize their personal safety amid the heightened tensions.
In her address, Chief Justice Torkornoo acknowledged the difficult nature of the closures, stating, “In the last week, I have had the unpleasant duty of closing courts in the upper regions of our country. No one benefits from such situations, and it is in the national interest for everyone to support the administration of law and justice as we approach the elections to uphold the constitutional framework that binds us.”
She emphasized the importance of maintaining the rule of law and access to justice as essential components of national stability, especially during the election period.
The Chief Justice also encouraged Ghanaians, including media professionals, to engage deeply with the Manual on Election Adjudication, highlighting its role in preserving electoral integrity and ensuring justice.
This manual, designed to guide the prompt and fair handling of election-related cases before, during, and after the 2024 general elections, was unveiled as the country prepares for this critical electoral phase.
