The Chief Justice, her ladyship Justice Araba Sackey Torkonoo has ordered for the closure of some nine courts up north of the country following the renewed Bawku crisis that has claimed over a dozen lives.
The action comes after the Chief Justice's attention was drawn to concerns expressed by lawyers and other stakeholders about the current situation in Bawku and its environs.
A statement signed by the Judicial Secretary, Justice Cyra Pamela Koranteng said, "In order to ensure the safety and security of judges, staff, lawyers, and court users, the Honourable Lady Chief Justice has ordered the closure of the following courts with immediate effect, until further notice." The courts are High Court, Bolgatanga, Circuit Court, Bolgatanga, District Court, Bolgatanga, District Court, Zuarungu, District Court, Zebilla, District Court, Garu, and District Court, Bongo. "Registrars are to keep all assets of the courts in proper custody, and all staff are to stay safe," the statement added. Meanwhile, Stephen Asamoah Boateng, Minister of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, stated that 16 people have died as a result of the recent violence surrounding the long-running chieftaincy feud in Bawku.
He revealed this knowledge on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, at a press conference in Accra.