Former Attorney General Martin Amidu has openly criticised the Chief Justice’s administrative decision to close courts in Bawku and surrounding areas.

He described as “unprecedented” and detrimental to citizens’ rights the decision to close courts including the regional capital, Bolgatanga.

The Chief Justice, according to a memorandum issued by the Judicial Secretary, justified the closures as a safety measure due to escalating security concerns.

However, Mr Amidu deemed the closure rationale as “naïve,” pointing out that Bolgatanga has historically remained unaffected by Bawku’s sporadic violence.

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He stated that “throughout the Bawku conflict… the regional capital has never been… in the conflict area.”

The former AG emphasised the potential legal ramifications of suspending court functions just weeks before the national elections, arguing it infringes upon citizens’ access to justice and could disrupt the judicial review of election-related issues.

“We the People demand Parliamentary oversight of the administrative decision…to close the High Court in Bolgatanga and its environs,” he stated.

Mr Amidu also expressed concern that the closure decision lacked sufficient input from local legal stakeholders, questioning the Chief Justice’s consultations.

He said, “The Upper East Regional Bar Association… has not met to pass a resolution requesting the closure.”