Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo has defended the recent decision to temporarily close seven courts in the Upper East Region, amid escalating tensions linked to the Bawku conflict emphasising the need to protect judicial staff and uphold safety standards.

The announcement came during the launch of the fifth edition of the Manual on Election Adjudication on Thursday, 31 October 2024, held at the Law Court Complex in Accra.

Effective since Tuesday, 29 October 2024, the closures include key facilities such as the Bawku District Court and Bolgatanga Circuit Court, which now raise concerns regarding access to justice in the affected areas.

However, Chief Justice Torkornoo stressed that the decision was necessary to safeguard court personnel from the heightened security risks posed by the conflict.

“In the last week, I have had the unpleasant duty of having to close down courts in the upper regions of our country. No one can benefit from such situations, and it is in the national interest for all and sundry to rally around the administration of law and justice in the coming elections,” she stated.

 Justice Cyra Pamela Koranteng, Judicial Service Secretary, also issued directives for court registrars to secure all assets while prioritising personal safety.

The decision underscores a commitment to protecting lives as tensions mount, a move that officials believe is paramount to maintaining order.

At the event, Chief Justice Torkornoo unveiled the Manual on Election Adjudication, urging Ghanaians, including the media, to engage with its content.

The manual serves as a key resource for managing election-related cases transparently and equitably before, during, and after the 2024 general elections, promoting confidence in the electoral process.