The Chief Justice, Gertrude Torkornoo, has ordered the reopening of courts in the Upper East Region due to the escalating Bawku conflict.

Courts in the region were directed to shut on October 29 due to the escalating conflict in Bawku after court staff and judges expressed concerns about their safety and security.

Areas such as Bolgatanga, Zuarungu, and Bongo expressed dissatisfaction about the directive and almost immediately commenced petitioning the Chief Justice for the courts to reopen, arguing they were several kilometres away from the conflict zone.

A November 8 circular issued and signed by the Judicial Service Secretary, Justice Cyra Pamela Koranteng JA, referred to the closure notice and added the reopening update.

Below is the circular.

I refer to my memorandum dated 29 October 2024 the decision by the Honourable Lady Chief Justice to close a number of Courts the Upper East Region due to the conflict situation in Bawku.

I write to inform you that the Honourable Lady Chief Justice has directed the reopening of the following courts for business, with immediate effect

1. High Court, Bolgatanga

2. Circuit Court, Bolgatanga

3. District Court, Bolgatanga

4. District Court, Bongo

Registrars of the above-mentioned Courts are kindly requested to take note and resume the operations of the Court accordingly.

Please accept the compliments of the Honourable Lady Chief Justice.