Four out of the seven courts, which were shut down over security concerns due to the escalation of the protracted Bawku conflict, have been reopened for adjudication following directives from the Chief Justice.
“With immediate effect”, the Chief Justice directed that that High Court, Circuit Court and District Court – all in Bolgatanga – as well as the Bongo District Court be reopened for business, a memorandum dated November 8 and issued by the Judicial Secretary said.
On October 29, 2024, the CJ ordered the closure of 7 courts in the Upper East Region over security concerns.
The order came on the back of an escalation of the inter-tribal Bawku conflict, that saw a spill over to various parts of the country particularly the North East Region and led to attacks on major roads, resulting in the death of several people.
“In order to ensure the safety and security of Judges, Staff, Lawyers and Court Users”, the Chief Justice ordered the closure of the 7 courts including the High Court, Circuit and District Courts; all in Bolgatanga, District Courts in Zuarungu, Zebilla, Garu and Bongo.
The decision to close particularly the courts in Bolgatanga, Zuarungu and Bongo did not go down well with residents, who though acknowledged the insecurity concerns, said the situation in the three areas did not warrant such an action.
The Bolgatanga Traditional Council and BONABOTO, a prominent social activist group in the central part of the region, had issued statements, calling on the CJ to reconsider to the closure of the courts outside the Bawku zone as they argued such a decision would hamper justice delivery in the areas.
However, the new order does not affect the court in Zuarungu, which is outside the Bawku zone.
