Chief Justice Closes Upper East Courts Amid Escalating Bawku Conflict
In a decisive response to the ongoing unrest in the Bawku area and neighboring communities, Ghana's Chief Justice has ordered the temporary closure of seven key courts across the Upper East Region. This precautionary move, announced on October 29, 2024, prioritizes the safety of judicial staff, legal professionals, and the public as security concerns escalate in the region.
The Judicial Secretary, on behalf of the Chief Justice, released a memorandum detailing the closure of the High Court and Circuit Court in Bolgatanga, as well as District Courts in Bolgatanga, Zuarungu, Zebilla, Garu, and Bongo. This order underscores the judiciary’s commitment to protecting its personnel and maintaining the safety of public spaces amid the intensifying conflict.
Concerns about the security of judicial employees and citizens have grown in light of the persistent conflict in Bawku, which has led to intermittent violence and disruptions in recent years. This closure follows appeals from legal practitioners and local stakeholders, who highlighted the growing risks to judicial staff and court users in the area. The Chief Justice's directive also instructs Court Registrars to take measures to secure court assets and ensure they are safeguarded during the suspension of operations.
This strategic decision reflects the judiciary’s broader approach to crisis management in volatile regions. By temporarily shutting down these courts, the judicial administration hopes to mitigate risks and prevent any potential harm to its staff and the public until conditions improve.
Justice Cyra Pamela C. A. Koranteng, in her memorandum, urged all judicial employees in the affected courts to remain vigilant and prioritize their safety throughout this period. The memo also conveyed the Chief Justice's regard for their commitment during these challenging times.
The judiciary’s response comes amid ongoing efforts to address the safety challenges posed by the Bawku conflict, which has disrupted daily life for local communities and institutions. This conflict, rooted in longstanding ethnic and political tensions, continues to affect the security and stability of the region. The temporary closure of these judicial facilities demonstrates the judiciary's commitment to balancing its legal duties with the safety of its employees and the public.
While the courts are closed, authorities are closely monitoring the situation and will determine the appropriate time for operations to resume based on future developments. In the meantime, judicial services will remain limited in these areas, with the aim of resuming full service once safety can be reasonably assured.
The judiciary's response reflects a cautious and proactive approach to safeguarding legal professionals and the public, ensuring that judicial services remain resilient despite regional challenges.
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