On November 8, 2024, Chief Justice of the Republic of Ghana, Her Ladyship Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo, announced the reopening of four courts in the Upper East Region following a period of closure due to the escalating tensions from the Bawku conflict. The decision comes after the initial order on October 29, 2024, which resulted in the closure of seven courts, including Zuarungu District Court, Bolgatanga High Court, Bolgatanga Circuit Court, Bolgatanga District Court, Bongo District Court, Zebilla District Court, and Garu District Court. This closure followed the Kumasi High Court’s lifting of a ban on Alhaji Seidu Abagre, which had been in effect for nearly a year, alongside an arrest warrant issued on February 20, 2023.
Since the ban was lifted, clashes between the Mamprusis and Kusasis have intensified, resulting in the loss of several innocent lives. In response to the closures, some lawyers, assembly members, residents, and the Bolgatanga Traditional Council appealed to the Chief Justice to reconsider her decision. They argued that the closure could violate Article 14(3) of the 1992 Constitution, which mandates that individuals arrested or detained must be brought before a court within forty-eight hours. This provision is designed to protect individuals from indefinite detention and ensure their right to a timely court appearance.
In her recent letter, Chief Justice Torkornoo instructed the registrars of the reopened courts to comply with the directive. However, the Zuarungu, Garu, and Zebilla District Courts will remain closed until further notice.
Source: mywordfmonline.com/Gaspard Ayuureneeya