By Anthony Adongo Apubeo
Bolgatanga, Oct 30, GNA – The Chief Justice, Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo, has ordered the closure of seven courts in the Upper East Region following renewed chieftaincy clashes in Bawku.
The courts are the Bolgatanga High Court, Bolgatanga Circuit, Bolgatanga District Court, Zuarungu District Court, Zebilla District Court, Garu District and Bongo District Court.
In a statement, signed by Justice Cynthia Pamela C.A Koranteng JA, the Judiciary Secretary, the move by the Chief Justice was to “ensure the safety and security of judges, staff, lawyers and court users”.
The statement said the closure of the courts followed concerns raised by lawyers and other stakeholders about the current situation in Bawku and its environment.
The closure of the courts is to take place effective immediately.
“Registrars are to keep all assets of the courts in proper custody and all staff are to stay safe.
“Please accept the compliments of the Honourable Lady Chief Justice”, the statement concluded.
The Ghana News Agency gathered that the clash is as result of a reported return of a rival chief who was reportedly enskinned by one of the factions involved in the protracted conflict.
A High Court had initially issued a warrant for the arrest of the chief as it deemed its enskinment as illegal.
However, the court in a few days ago withdrew the arrest warrant and that paved way for the chief to return to the area which sparked tension and subsequently led to gunshots leading to several deaths and injuries.
The violent clash begun with alleged killing of a 11-year of girl by one of the factions involved in the clash.
More than 20 people have been killed within the Bawku Township last Thursday while eight people were also killed in the Bolgatanga- Tamale highway near Walewale attack which had been linked to the renewed clashes in Bawku.
Some unidentified armed men blocked vehicles on the road on the highway and opened fire on the travellers, killing eight and injuring several others.
GNA