Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo has issued an order to reopen courts across the Upper East Region following the recent escalation of the Bawku conflict.
The courts were initially closed on October 29 as judges and court staff raised concerns over safety amid the rising tensions in Bawku. However, communities in Bolgatanga, Zuarungu, and Bongo, which are located far from the conflict zone, voiced dissatisfaction with the shutdown. Residents and officials quickly submitted petitions to the Chief Justice, arguing that their areas were not directly impacted by the unrest.
On November 8, a circular signed by Judicial Service Secretary Justice Cyra Pamela Koranteng JA announced the decision to reopen the courts, updating the previous closure directive and allowing court activities to resume in the region.
Below is the circular.
I refer to my memorandum dated 29 October 2024 the decision by the Honourable Lady Chief Justice to close a number of Courts 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 reopening of the following courts for business, with immediate effect
1. High Court, Bolgatanga
2. Circuit Court, Bolgatanga
3. District Court, Bolgatanga
4. District Court, Bongo
Registrars of the above-mentioned Courts are kindly requested to take note and resume the operations of the Court accordingly.
Please accept the compliments of the Honourable Lady Chief Justice.
