The Chief Justice, Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo, has ordered the closure of seven courts in the Bawku township and adjoining communities.
The closed courts include the High Court of Bolgatanga, Circuit Court of Bolgatanga, District Court of Bolgatanga, District Court of Zuarungu, District Court of Zebilla, District Court of Garu, and District Court of Bongo.
This was announced in a statement issued by the Secretary of the Judicial Service, Justice Cyra Pamela Koranteng.
“In order to ensure the safety and security of Judges, Staff, Lawyers and Court Users, the Honourable Lady Chief Justice has ordered the closure of the following courts with immediate effect, until further notice,” the statement read in part.
Meanwhile, the registrars have been asked to keep all assets of the courts in proper custody, and all staff are advised to stay safe.
The closure comes in the wake of renewed chieftaincy clashes, which have claimed 16 lives and left some residents injured.
The disturbances follow the return of a rival chief, Seidu Abagre, from exile. He was controversially enskinned as Bawku Naaba in February 2023.
