The Supreme Court has dismissed an injunction application filed by Ofoase Ayirebi MP Kojo Oppong Nkrumah seeking to restrain specialized courts directed by the Chief Justice from sitting during the legal vacation.
The Chief Justice, Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, issued warrants to selected High Court judges to sit during the legal vacation, which runs from August 1 to September 30.
Lawyers for Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, led by Frank Davies, were asking the apex court to suspend the hearings pending the determination of the substantive suit, which is asking for answers to some constitutional matters.
In his ruling, Justice Gabriel Pwamang said the warrants issued are part of efforts for criminal cases to be heard expeditiously.
“The fact that trial of accused persons facing criminal prosecution does not usually take place during the legal vacation ought not to be grounds for injuncting the CJ’s effort at ensuring speedy hearing of cases such as galamsey and narcotics,” Justice Pwamang noted.
The judge also noted that justice will continue to be administered although some cases are being prioritized.
“The warrants issued by the CJ are part of efforts to provide an opportunity for more criminal cases to be heard expeditiously. The fact that some criminal cases are not being heard during the legal vacation doesn’t mean the administration of justice wouldn’t be advanced to some extent.“
