Ghana Bar Association Supports Closure of Courts in Upper East

The Ghana Bar Association has shown its support behind a decision made by the Chief Justice to temporarily close seven courts in the Upper East Region amidst growing tensions in the Bawku Municipality. This is an assurance that the judiciary cares about its people's safety in the face of threats and insecurity in the area.

The closure has officially been communicated through a directive from the Chief Justice to the judges in the region, in an effort to provide a protective environment for court staff, judges, and the public from spillover effects of continuing clashes. This is after consultations with security agencies that briefed and updated intelligence on the situation in Bawku. It serves to show that the issue of safety is being reaffirmed, especially as incidents within this region escalate.

The Ghana Bar Association's Public Relations Officer, Saviour Kudze said the decision to close those courts was informed by the intelligence from the security organs. He said, "Following the developments as announced by the Chieftaincy Minister, I believe they have advised her on the intelligence that they have picked up, which must have necessitated the closure of the courts." This is to avoid any actions that would result in the members or staff of the judiciary becoming involuntary victims of any undesirable event amidst this charged atmosphere.

He suggested that issues that are curently in the Bawku high court or are yet to come could always be transfered to other closer courts like Tamale to avoid a case backlog and ensure that people's rights are not violated.

Whereas the Chief Justice has not placed a timeline on the reopening, it is through continuous monitoring and reassessment of the situation as touching on security that it will be determined when the courts can safely resume services.