Cases don’t go on leave – Chief Justice defends judges sitting during legal vacation

Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie has spoken out against the controversy surrounding judges sitting during Ghana's legal vacation, asserting that the court system cannot simply shut down because the period is in effect. He emphasized that legal vacation does not imply the cessation of justice administration, especially when urgent and emergency cases need immediate attention.

"Cases don't go on leave, and emergency cases have to be heard," he stated. This echoed a debate within Ghana's legal community over whether judges should continue sitting during the legal vacation, a matter that has even reached the Supreme Court after a Member of Parliament, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, filed a challenge. Despite the dismissal of the case, Nkrumah has since sought a review of the ruling.

During a visit to the Minerals Income Investment Fund, Baffoe-Bonnie defended the ongoing judicial activity during the legal vacation, explaining that the practice does not contravene Judicial Service rules and provisions are in place for handling urgent matters. He highlighted the need for the justice system to remain responsive to time-sensitive cases that cannot be postponed until full court operations resume.

The Chief Justice argued that halting all court proceedings could negatively impact litigants with urgent cases. He clarified that the debate should not have arisen, given the existing provisions that allow courts to address critical matters when necessary. Baffoe-Bonnie pledged the judiciary's commitment to ensuring access to justice throughout the legal vacation.