Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo has defended the recent closure of seven courts in Ghana’s Upper East Region due to rising security threats linked to the Bawku conflict. Speaking at the launch of the fifth edition of the Manual on Election Adjudication on October 31, 2024, at the Law Court Complex in Accra, she stressed that the closures were necessary to ensure the safety of judicial staff and maintain order amid escalating tensions.
The courts, which include the Bawku District Court and the Bolgatanga Circuit Court, were temporarily shut down on October 29, 2024, after staff and judges reported serious security concerns. Justice Cyra Pamela Koranteng, Judicial Service Secretary, further directed court registrars to safeguard assets and urged court personnel to prioritize their safety.
Addressing the impact of these closures, Chief Justice Torkornoo said, “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.” She called on the public to support the administration of law and justice, particularly during the upcoming elections, to uphold national stability and unity.
Highlighting the importance of the Manual on Election Adjudication, Chief Justice Torkornoo encouraged Ghanaians and media professionals to actively engage with its content, noting its crucial role in ensuring electoral integrity and justice. The manual provides guidance for handling election-related cases impartially, as Ghana prepares for the 2024 general elections.
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