The former Director-General of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, Richard Anamoo has openly criticized Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo for her decision to close down courts in Bawku Enclave amidst the ongoing conflict in the region.
Anamoo expressed his views during an interview with Agya Wusu on RadioXYZ, calling the decision “illegal” and advocating for the Chief Justice’s resignation.
Anamoo argued that while the Chief Justice justified the closure by citing the safety of judges, staff, lawyers, and court users, this reasoning is flawed.
He pointed out that other government institutions, including schools, hospitals, and district assemblies, remain operational despite the conflict. He further referenced past conflicts, such as in Yendi, where courts remained open, suggesting that closing courts in Bawku lacks legal or operational justification.
In addition, Anamoo criticized the government’s handling of the Bawku conflict, suggesting that it resurfaces whenever the New Patriotic Party (NPP) is in power. He argued that government inaction against certain local leaders exacerbates the situation.
As a solution, Anamoo proposed that a future National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration would fully enforce court rulings establishing the legitimacy of the Kusasis as Bawku’s rightful leaders, potentially bringing an end to the conflict.