Chief Justice Orders Closure of Seven Courts Amid Renewed Violence in Bawku Conflict

In response to escalating violence in Bawku, Chief Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo has mandated the closure of seven courts across the Upper East Region to protect judges, court staff, and the public. This decision affects the High, Circuit, and District Courts in Bolgatanga, as well as District Courts in Zuarungu, Zebilla, Garu, and Bongo.

The recent rise in hostilities in the chieftaincy dispute, which intensified after a rival chief returned to Bawku, has plunged the area into a renewed cycle of tension. A recent attack on October 27, 2024, saw unidentified gunmen open fire on travelers along the Bolgatanga-Tamale highway, resulting in fatalities and the destruction of two vehicles. The incident heightened fears across the region and further destabilized the already tense community, where the Circuit and District Courts in Bawku have remained closed since the conflict’s resurgence in November 2021.

To curb the violence, the government imposed a 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. curfew on Bawku and neighboring communities. This curfew, enacted last Monday, reflects the urgent need to restore order and protect residents who have been struggling to go about their daily activities amidst the conflict.

The Chief Justice’s directive, detailed in a memorandum dated October 29, 2024, and signed by Judicial Secretary Justice Pamela C.A. Koranteng, came after legal professionals and community stakeholders raised security concerns. “In order to ensure the safety of judges, staff, lawyers, and court users, the Chief Justice has ordered the closure of the affected courts with immediate effect until further notice,” the statement read.

Court registrars have been advised to secure court assets, while staff members are urged to prioritize their personal safety during this period of heightened insecurity.