Chief Justice Orders Immediate Reopening of Four Courts in Upper East Region Amid Bawku Conflict
In a landmark move to restore judicial access in conflict-affected areas, the Chief Justice of Ghana, His Lordship Kwasi Anin-Yeboah, has ordered the immediate reopening of four courts in the Upper East Region. This decision, aimed at enhancing law and order, is part of ongoing efforts to address the Bawku conflict and restore normalcy to the region.
The Bawku area, which has long grappled with ethnic and chieftaincy-related tensions, has experienced an escalating crisis in recent years. This conflict has led to periodic violence, displacement, and heightened security concerns, with local judicial services severely disrupted. Amid these difficulties, the closure of the courts, including Bawku’s District and Circuit Courts, has made it challenging for residents to access legal recourse, leaving unresolved cases and contributing to feelings of injustice among the people.
The Chief Justice’s directive comes as a crucial step toward rebuilding trust in the judicial system. He emphasized that the courts' closure, while necessary at the time for security reasons, has hindered progress in enforcing the rule of law in Bawku and neighboring communities. According to Justice Anin-Yeboah, “The judiciary has a responsibility to uphold the rights of all citizens, especially in conflict zones, where justice can play a pivotal role in restoring peace. Reopening these courts is vital to delivering that promise of fairness and security.”
Local leaders, including the revered Bawku Naba Asigri Abugrago Azoka II, have welcomed the decision, acknowledging that judicial intervention can play a significant role in conflict resolution. The Bawku Naba expressed optimism, stating, "This move by the Chief Justice strengthens our hope for a return to peace. A functioning judicial system will help mediate disputes and hold accountable those who breach the law."
As the courts resume operations, additional security measures will be implemented to protect judicial staff and residents. Personnel from the Ghana Police Service and other security agencies are expected to be deployed to ensure smooth and safe proceedings. The reopening of these courts is also anticipated to ease the backlog of cases, offering affected residents a pathway to justice for grievances that have gone unaddressed during the closures.
The Chief Justice’s directive underscores the judiciary’s commitment to providing accessible legal services to all Ghanaians, regardless of their circumstances. For the people of Bawku and the Upper East Region, this action represents a significant step toward restoring stability, and it’s hoped that peace-building efforts will follow in the coming months.
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