The Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo has ordered the reopening of courts in the Upper East Region following the escalation of the Bawku conflict.
The courts in this region were initially directed to close on October 29, as court staff and judges raised safety and security concerns due to the Bawku conflict.
However, areas such as Bolgatanga, Zuarungu, and Bongo, which are located several kilometers from the conflict zone, expressed dissatisfaction with the closure and promptly petitioned the Chief Justice to reopen the courts.
In response, a circular was issued on November 8 by Judicial Service Secretary Justice Cyra Pamela Koranteng JA, referencing the original closure notice and providing an update on the reopening.
The circular reads:
“I refer to my memorandum dated 29 October 2024 regarding the decision by the Honourable Lady Chief Justice to close several courts in the Upper East Region due to the conflict situation in Bawku.
I write to inform you that the Honourable Lady Chief Justice has directed the immediate reopening of the following courts for business:
- High Court, Bolgatanga
- Circuit Court, Bolgatanga
- District Court, Bolgatanga
- District Court, Bongo
Registrars of the above-mentioned courts are kindly requested to take note and resume court operations accordingly.
Please accept the compliments of the Honourable Lady Chief Justice.”
