Omanghana
Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie has directed all courts in the Greater Accra Region to suspend sittings on Tuesday, July 28, and Friday, July 31, 2026, to enable judges and magistrates to participate in activities marking the 150th anniversary of Ghana’s Supreme Court.
The temporary suspension applies to every court within the region, including courts ordinarily scheduled to hear cases on the two designated days.
The directive forms part of arrangements for the climax of the Supreme Court’s sesquicentennial celebration, which has been running under the theme, “Honouring the Past, Celebrating the Present and Defining the Future.”
Court users with cases scheduled for either date are expected to receive new hearing dates through the appropriate court registries. Lawyers, litigants and witnesses may need to contact the relevant registry to confirm any revised arrangements.
Anniversary Climax Scheduled for UPSA
The main anniversary ceremony will take place on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at the Ohene Konadu Auditorium of the University of Professional Studies, Accra.
Judges, magistrates and other members of the judiciary are expected to attend the programme alongside government officials, traditional leaders, legal practitioners, academics and invited guests.
The event will provide an opportunity to reflect on the Supreme Court’s development, its contribution to Ghana’s constitutional order and the challenges facing the administration of justice.
Discussions are also expected to focus on the future of the judiciary, including reforms needed to improve access to justice, strengthen public confidence and modernise court operations.
Thanksgiving Service at Accra Ridge Church
A thanksgiving service will be held on Friday, July 31, 2026, at the Accra Ridge Church.
The service will bring the anniversary activities to a close and provide members of the judiciary with an opportunity to express gratitude for the Supreme Court’s 150 years of institutional existence.
Because judges and magistrates across Greater Accra are expected to participate, regular court sittings in the region will again be suspended for the day.
Normal court operations are expected to resume after the commemorative programmes, subject to any further administrative directions from the Judicial Service.
Supreme Court Established in 1876
Ghana’s Supreme Court traces its origins to the Supreme Court Ordinance of 1876, which introduced a formal superior court structure during the colonial period.
Over the decades, the institution underwent significant changes as the country moved through colonial rule, independence, military governments and successive constitutional arrangements.
Under the 1992 Constitution, the Supreme Court serves as Ghana’s highest judicial authority and the final court of appeal.
It also has exclusive original jurisdiction in matters involving the interpretation or enforcement of the Constitution. Its decisions are binding on all other courts in the country.
The court therefore plays a central role in protecting constitutional governance, resolving major legal disputes and clarifying the powers and responsibilities of state institutions.
Anniversary Activities Began in April
The 150th-anniversary celebration was formally launched in April 2026, beginning a series of programmes intended to connect the judiciary with the public and highlight the development of Ghana’s justice system.
Throughout July, the Judicial Service organised commemorative events that included legal outreach programmes, health walks and public lectures.
The outreach initiatives were designed to improve public understanding of the courts, citizens’ legal rights and the procedures available for seeking justice.
The public lectures provided a platform for judges, lawyers, academics and policymakers to examine the Supreme Court’s historical contribution and discuss emerging challenges within the legal system.
Health and recreational activities also brought together members of the judiciary and the wider legal profession outside the courtroom.
Celebrating the Past and Planning for the Future
The anniversary theme reflects the three broad objectives of the celebration.
“Honouring the Past” recognises the judges, lawyers, court officials and reformers who contributed to the development of Ghana’s judicial system.
“Celebrating the Present” highlights the Supreme Court’s continuing responsibility to uphold the Constitution, protect individual rights and maintain the rule of law.
“Defining the Future” focuses attention on reforms required to make justice more efficient, accessible and responsive to the needs of citizens.
These reforms may include greater use of digital technology, improvements in case management, faster resolution of disputes and expanded access to legal services.
Court Users Advised to Confirm New Dates
The suspension of sittings is expected to affect cases listed in courts across the Greater Accra Region on July 28 and July 31.
Parties involved in criminal, civil, commercial, family and other proceedings may have their matters rescheduled.
Court users should confirm revised hearing dates with their lawyers or the registries of the courts handling their cases. They should not assume that a matter has been cancelled permanently because of the two-day suspension.
The directive is limited to courts within the Greater Accra Region and the specified anniversary dates.
The climax celebrations will mark an important milestone in Ghana’s legal history, commemorating a judicial institution that has operated in different forms for a century and a half while continuing to shape the country’s constitutional and democratic development.
Source: Omanghana
