{
  "id": 601297,
  "title": "NPP accuses Chief Justice of selective handling of vacation trials",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/11/npp-accuses-chief-justice-of-selective-handling-of-vacation-trials",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-11T20:01:41.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Adom Online",
    "slug": "adom-online",
    "url": "https://www.adomonline.com/npp-accuses-chief-justice-of-selective-handling-of-vacation-trials/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has expressed concerns over Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie's decision to permit criminal trials during the legal vacation, arguing it undermines judicial independence and fairness. In a statement on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, the NPP sharply criticized the Chief Justice's defense of warrants issued to two High Court judges, Justice Achibonga and Kocuvie-Tay, to handle substantive criminal trials during the vacation. The party questioned why only these two courts and specific cases involving individuals linked to the NPP were granted such authorization. The NPP contends that 29 courts are currently operating as vacation courts, but their primary role is limited to motions and urgent interlocutory applications. They argued that vacation courts typically refrain from conducting substantive trials, questioning why special authorization was granted to the two judges. The party specifically highlighted cases involving serious offenses like murder, rape, narcotics, and armed robbery, contrasting them with trials that were adjourned during the vacation. They questioned whether the vacation period could halt the trial of a murder suspect but not the proceedings of political opponents. Lawyers representing some accused individuals had previously asked the Chief Justice to withdraw the warrants, citing unavailability and the absence of defense counsel, a request confirmed by the Ghana Bar Association on August 10. The NPP also raised concerns over the procedural fairness in one case, where the trial judge granted an accused an ultimatum to secure a new lawyer or conduct cross-examination of a prosecution witness, potentially violating the constitutional right to legal representation. The party cited Article 19(2)(f) of the 1992 Constitution, which guarantees an accused person the right to defend themselves with legal counsel of their choosing. Additionally, the NPP raised doubts about the Chief Justice's appointment and confirmation, alleging a partisan process, and called for transparency and adherence to fair-trial principles in handling such trials.",
  "summary": "The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has accused Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie of selectively authorising the conduct of criminal trials during the legal vacation, describing the move as a threat to judicial independence and fairness. In a statement issued on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, the party said it was troubled by the Chief Justice’s recent defence […]",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}