Cases don’t go on leave – Chief Justice defends judges sitting during legal vacation
Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie has weighed into the growing controversy over whether judges should sit during Ghana’s legal vacation, insisting that the courts cannot completely suspend their work simply because the period is in effect.
According to the Chief Justice, legal vacation does not mean the administration of justice comes to a halt, particularly when urgent and emergency cases require immediate attention.
“Cases don’t go on leave, and emergency cases have to be heard. Legal vacation doesn’t mean all things must cease,” he said.
His comments come amid an ongoing debate within Ghana’s legal fraternity over the propriety of judges sitting during the legal vacation.
The case was dismissed, but Mr Oppong Nkrumah has since filed an application seeking a review of the decision.
Speaking during a courtesy call on the Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF), Justice Baffoe-Bonnie defended judges who continue to sit during the legal vacation.
He explained that the practice does not amount to a breach of the rules of the Judicial Service, stressing that provisions exist for judges to handle urgent matters during the period.
The Chief Justice said the justice system must remain responsive to cases that are time-sensitive and cannot reasonably be delayed until the courts fully resume.
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie said the controversy surrounding judges sitting during the legal vacation should therefore not have arisen, given the provisions allowing the courts to deal with critical matters when necessary.
He assured the public that the judiciary remains committed to ensuring access to justice at all times, including during the legal vacation.
His comments are expected to add fresh perspective to the ongoing debate over the scope and purpose of the legal vacation and the circumstances under which judges may continue to sit during the period.
