Bolgatanga Traditional Council Advocates for Reopening Courts and Bawku Peace
The Bolgatanga Traditional Council has called on the government and Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo to reconsider the recent closure of seven courts in the Upper East Region. The courts, shut down on October 29, 2024, were closed due to escalating violence in Bawku, which raised safety concerns for judicial staff and judges. The Chief Justice justified the closures, emphasizing the need to prioritize the safety of judicial personnel amidst the region's growing unrest.
However, the council expressed concerns about the negative impact this decision has on access to justice for the affected communities. In a statement issued on November 1, the council stressed the need for alternative measures that ensure the safety of court personnel while maintaining the justice system's operations. “We appeal to the government and the Chief Justice to reconsider the decision and implement necessary security measures to reopen the courts,” the statement read.
The call comes amidst rising tension in Bawku, where violent clashes between factions have led to significant loss of lives and property. The council condemned the spillover of violence into other parts of the region, including Bolgatanga, where innocent residents have become casualties. They called for an immediate end to the conflict and appealed to all factions to embrace peace.
“The senseless killings of innocent people who are not part of the conflict must stop,” the council declared, urging the feuding groups to prioritize dialogue over violence. They also highlighted the strategic importance of regional roads, such as the Trans-ECOWAS route leading to Walewale, which has been affected by the unrest.
The council’s statement reflects a broader concern about the destabilizing effects of the conflict, with many regional leaders calling for concerted efforts to restore peace and safety. As the region grapples with this crisis, the need for collaboration between traditional authorities, government officials, and security agencies remains critical.
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