Chief Justice Closes Down Upper East Courts Over Bawku Chieftaincy Dispute

The Bawku conflict has taken a dire turn, prompting Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo to order the immediate closure of all courts in the Upper East Region.

This decision comes after court staff and judges raised concerns about their safety amidst the intensifying violence

Background of the Conflict

The Bawku conflict, a longstanding chieftaincy dispute, has been reignited by the return of Alhaji Seidu Abagre, a rival chief.

The conflict has resulted in at least 16 fatalities and countless injuries, with the government enforcing a curfew from 6PM to 6AM to sustain order.

The conflict has also led to a humanitarian crisis, with 27 pregnant women dying due to inaccessibility to medical care at the Bawku Presbyterian Hospital, the only major referral health facility in the municipality.

This staggering number includes 20 deaths in 2021 and seven in 2022.

Security Measures

To enhance security, the Ghana Police Service has increased its presence along the Bolga-Tamale highway following a recent shooting incident. The affected courts include:

– High Court, Bolgatanga
– Circuit Court, Bolgatanga
– District Court, Bolgatanga
– District Court, Zuarungu
– District Court, Zebila
– District Court, Garu
– District Court, Bongo

The closure of the courts is a temporary measure to ensure the safety of court staff and judges.