The Acting Chief Justice of Ghana, Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, has granted approval for all members of the Ghana Bar Association (GBA) to abstain from court appearances on Monday, June 30, 2025. This exemption is in observance of this year’s Martyrs’ Day celebrations, a solemn occasion honoring the memory of judges who lost their lives in the line of duty.
Background
The directive, issued under reference number OJS/CIR/13/V.1/2025, instructs court officials to accommodate the absence of lawyers on the specified date. This move is in line with tradition and part of the annual commemoration of Martyrs’ Day.
Implications
The exemption highlights the significance of Martyrs’ Day in Ghana’s judicial calendar. By granting this exemption, the Acting Chief Justice acknowledges the importance of allowing legal professionals to participate in the commemoration.
Related Developments
Recently, the GBA has been embroiled in a controversy surrounding the suspension of the Chief Justice. Some legal practitioners, including renowned constitutional lawyer Thaddeus Sory, have criticized the GBA’s stance, accusing them of inconsistency, hypocrisy, and playing politics with the law. Sory has challenged the Bar to test its claims in court, stating that “history is not on their side”.
For now, the focus remains on the upcoming Martyrs’ Day celebrations, with lawyers set to observe the occasion and pay tribute to the judges who have made the ultimate sacrifice.