Bawku Conflict: 7 Courts Closed In Upper East
The Chief Justice, Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, has sanctioned the closure of seven courts in the Upper East Region in reaction to heightened insecurity in Bawku and its environs.
This decision by the CJ follows concerns expressed by Lawyers and other Stakeholders about the current situation in the town.
“In order to ensure the safety and security of Judges, Staff, Lawyers and Court Users, the Honourable Lady Chief Justice has ordered the closure of the following courts with immediate effect, until further notice,” the Judicial Service announced in a circular.
The earmarked courts include the Bolgatanga High Court, Bolgatanga Circuit Court, Bolgatanga District Court, Zuarungu District Court, Zebilla District Court, Garu District Court and Bongo District Court.
In the face of this measure, court registrars have been obliged to keep all assets in proper custody.
This move by the judiciary has been criticized by a section of the public; however, the Ghana Bar Association (GBA) has readily embraced it.
Renewed Clash
The government on October 28 announced an indefinite 12-hour curfew on Bawku from 6:00 PM to 6:00 AM in accordance with the Public Order Act, 1994 (Act 491) following the renewal of the tension between the factions over the weekend.
On Sunday, reports indicated that eight people were killed when the Bolgatanga-Tamale highway was blocked by gunmen who opened fire on oncoming vehicles.
It followed Saturday night’s gun battle that claimed two lives and maimed numerous others.
This was stoked by the return of Mr Seidu Abagre- who was allegedly illegally enskinned as Bawku Naba in February 2023- to the town on October 24 after an arrest warrant was issued against him was subsequently quashed by the Court of Appeal in Kumasi.
According to a statement issued by the Deputy Minister of Interior, Hon Naana Eyiah, on October 28, 2024, the continuous presence of Mr. Seidu Abagre in Bawku poses a substantial threat to public safety and security.
Source: opemsuo.com/Hajara Fuseini
