Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo has directed the reopening of four courts in the Upper East region following the renewed Bawku conflict.
On October 29, 2024, the courts in the region were closed due to the escalating conflict in Bawku following concerns raised about safety and security m by judges and court staff.
Some of the affected areas were Bolgatanga, Bongo and Zuarungu.
However, the people of these areas expressed dissatisfaction about the closure and petitioned the Chief Justice to open the courts.
They argued that they were far from the conflict zone.
Following the petition, the directive to close the four courts was rescinded.
A memorandum signed by the Judicial Service Secretary, Justice Cyra Pamela Koranteng JA, ordered the reopening of the courts.
“I write to inform you that the Honourable Lady Chief Justice has directed the reopening of the following courts for business, with immediate effect,” the memorandum said.
READ ALSO: 61-year-old man killed as Bawku death toll rises 22
The recurring Bawku conflict, primarily rooted in chieftaincy disputes and ethnic tensions, has led to significant unrest in the area over the past few years.
The situation has escalated in recent months, with clashes between various groups resulting in 22 fatalities and widespread fear among residents.
Security forces have been deployed to maintain peace, but incidents of violence continue to occur.
A 6:00 am to 6:00 pm curfew has been imposed, with security forces actively enforcing the restrictions to curb the unrest.
Below is the memorandum
