Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo has defended the recent closure of seven courts in the Upper East Region, a step taken to safeguard judicial staff and maintain security amid the ongoing Bawku conflict.

The decision, she explained, was made in response to escalating safety concerns in the region, as reported by court personnel and judges.

Speaking at the launch of the fifth edition of the Manual on Election Adjudication on Thursday, October 31, 2024, held at the Law Court Complex Auditorium in Accra, Chief Justice Torkornoo emphasised that the closures were a difficult yet necessary measure.

She underscored that the judiciary's primary responsibility is to ensure both the safety of its staff and the effective delivery of justice.

The closures, implemented on October 29, 2024, affected several key facilities, including the Bawku District Court and the Bolgatanga Circuit Court.

This temporary measure has raised concerns about access to justice for the residents of the Upper East Region, particularly those relying on these courts for legal services.

Acknowledging the inconvenience to the public, Chief Justice Torkornoo expressed regret over the impact of the closures on the local community.

She assured the public that the judiciary is actively monitoring the situation, with plans to resume court services in the region as soon as it is deemed safe.

“In the last week, I have had the unpleasant duty of having to close down courts in the upper regions of our country.

"No one can benefit from such situations and it is in the national interest for all and sundry to rally around the administration of law and justice in the coming elections to ensure the preservation of the national fabric that the Constitution has put together for us.”