Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo has justified the recent closure of seven courts in the Upper East Region, an action taken in response to the escalating security concerns linked to the Bawku conflict.
Chief Justice Torkornoo made the justification at the launch of the fifth edition of the Manual on Election Adjudication on Thursday, October 31, 2024, held at the Law Court Complex Auditorium in Accra.
The Chief Justice in her address at the launch underscored the need for such action to be taken.
“In the last week, I have had the unpleasant duty of having to close down courts in the upper regions of our country. No one can benefit from such situations and it is in the national interest for all and sundry to rally around the administration of law and justice in the coming elections in order to ensure the preservation of the national fabric that the Constitution has put together for us,” she stated.
On October 29, 2024, the Chief Justice ordered an immediate closure of seven courts in the Upper East Region due to the Bawku conflict to safeguard judges, court staff, lawyers, and members of the public who use these facilities.
Bawku Conflict: Chief Justice orders closure of 7 courts in Upper East Region
The High Court and Circuit Court in Bolgatanga, as well as District Courts in Bolgatanga, Zuarungu, Zebilla, Garu, and Bongo were some of the courts affected by the directive.
At the launch of the fifth edition of the Manual on Election Adjudication, the Chief Justice urged the public to understand how crucial it is to preserve judicial access and the rule of law as cornerstones of national stability, especially during election season.
She also encouraged Ghanaians, including media professionals, to engage thoroughly with the Manual on Election Adjudication, emphasizing that its content will be instrumental in preserving electoral integrity and ensuring justice.
The manual, which aims to guide the swift and impartial handling of election-related cases before, during, and after the 2024 general elections, was unveiled as the nation prepares for the critical electoral period.
Source:
3news.com
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