In a decisive move to ensure judicial oversight and consistency, the Acting Honourable Chief Justice has issued a new directive mandating that all newly filed cases and applications be brought to his attention prior to the assignment of courts or the empanelling of judges.
This development was communicated through a memorandum dated April 23, 2025, and signed by Dr. Cyracus B. BapuuRoh, Deputy Judicial Secretary. The memo was addressed to Registrars of the High Courts, Courts of Appeal, and the Supreme Court.
The directive states that where there is more than one court available, or multiple judges are to be empanelled, the Acting Chief Justice must be consulted for the assignment of such cases and the fixing of hearing dates. It further clarifies that this new instruction overrides all previous directives on the matter, remaining in effect until further notice.
“This directive supersedes all previous directives until further notice,” the memo emphasizes, indicating a shift in procedural authority under the stewardship of the Acting Chief Justice following the recent suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo.
The directive is expected to streamline judicial processes and ensure that case assignments and court schedules are handled with greater scrutiny and uniformity during this transitional period in Ghana’s judiciary.
This action comes amidst heightened national attention on the judiciary, as various stakeholders continue to call for transparency and adherence to the Rule of Law.
