GBA Supports Court Closures Amid Bawku Conflict
Seven courts in the Upper East Region are closed indefinitely due to escalating violence in Bawku
- The closure may delay justice for local residents
- The Chief Justice consulted with security forces to assess the risks before making the closure decision
- The decision prioritizes the safety of judges, court staff, and the public
The Ghana Bar Association (GBA) has praised the Chief Justice’s decision to temporarily shut down seven courts in the Upper East Region, a precautionary response to escalating violence in Bawku Municipality.
This measure highlights the judiciary’s commitment to ensuring the safety of its members, as ongoing tensions in Bawku threaten the stability of judicial operations.
In a formal circular, the Chief Justice instructed judges in the region to close the courts immediately to protect the lives of judges, court personnel, and the public.
Saviour Kudze, the GBA’s Public Relations Officer, explained to Citi News that this decision was made after consultations with security forces, who provided crucial updates on the area’s security challenges. He noted, “The Chieftaincy Minister’s announcements have led to this closure based on intelligence gathered.”
Kudze emphasized that the judiciary aims to prevent any incidents that could endanger staff or judicial officers who might be caught in the crossfire of the conflict. He also mentioned that if the security situation does not improve soon, alternative measures, such as transferring cases to nearby regions like Tamale, may be necessary to prevent a backlog and ensure access to justice for affected individuals.
“The Chief Justice is in regular contact with security agencies,” Kudze stated, indicating that the closures would remain under review. “As the situation evolves, adjustments may be made, but for now, the courts are closed indefinitely.”
