A warrant issued by Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie authorising Justice Francis Apongabuno Achibonga to sit as an additional High Court judge at the Specialised Court ‘1’ at the Law Court Complex in Accra during the 2026 Legal Vacation remains unconstrained, according to recent developments and legal analyses. The document, addressed to Justice Apongabuno and cited by AdomOnline.com, grants him the authority to ‘conduct hearings’ within the designated court, a significant departure from previous interpretations of vacation court jurisdiction. The warrant, formally titled ‘Order No. 2026-007,’ details the judge’s role as a ‘High Court Judge’ and authorizes him to participate in hearings at the Specialised Court ‘1’ within Accra during the legal vacation, a period typically reserved for administrative tasks and judicial deliberation. The document explicitly states ‘the power to ‘conduct hearings’’, a broad scope that differentiates it from previously held stipulations limiting the judge’s involvement to emergency or interlocutory matters. The issuance of this warrant, a key element of ongoing tension between the Ghana Bar Association (GBA) and the judiciary, has ignited debate regarding the traditional boundaries of Vacation Court proceedings. The GBA maintains that Vacation Courts traditionally focus on emergencies and interlocutory applications, emphasizing the importance of ensuring legal counsel is considered during these periods. However, the Chief Justice has defended this authority, asserting that the authority to determine whether court proceedings should occur rests with the bench, not solely with legal counsel. Deputy Attorney-General Dr. Justice Srem-Sai has challenged the GBA’s position, arguing that the authority to determine court proceedings must originate with the bench. Justice Achibonga’s warrant directly confirms his authorization to participate in these hearings, reinforcing the document’s broad scope. The warrant itself details the judge’s position within the Specialised Court ‘1’ and a period of active judicial activity, thereby solidifying the document’s significance in this particular legal context. The legal ramifications of this decision remain to be fully assessed, with ongoing discussions concerning the implications for court scheduling and the balance of power within the judicial system.
Watch Related Video
Source: Adom Online
