Former Attorney General Martin Amidu has fiercely criticized the Ghana Bar Association’s (GBA) unwavering endorsement of the Chief Justice’s decision to close courts in Bolgatanga.In a recent article, he labeled the GBA’s backing as “a threat to our Constitution, democracy, and the rule of law.”He warned that unquestioning allegiance to the Chief Justice’s administrative actions could erode the independence of the judiciary.

“The unbridled support of anything and everything the Chief Justice says or does…borders on sycophancy,” Mr. Amidu cautioned.He added that the public deserves judicial decisions that are both impartial and open. Mr. Amidu also scrutinized the judiciary’s alignment with national security, raising concerns over whether the Chief Justice's decision was made independently or under “instructions… from the National Security Council.

”He stressed the importance of transparency in decisions impacting public access to justice, particularly given heightened tensions around the election period.The former Attorney General condemned the Chief Justice’s administrative move to close courts in Bawku and nearby areas.He called the decision to shut down courts, including those in the regional capital Bolgatanga, "unprecedented" and harmful to citizens’ rights.

According to a memorandum from the Judicial Secretary, the Chief Justice cited escalating security concerns as justification for the closures.However, Mr. Amidu criticized this reasoning as “naïve,” arguing that Bolgatanga has consistently remained unaffected by the intermittent violence in Bawku.He stated that “throughout the Bawku conflict… the regional capital has never been… in the conflict area.

”The former AG emphasised the potential legal ramifications of suspending court functions just weeks before the national elections, arguing it infringes upon citizens’ access to justice and could disrupt the judicial review of election-related issues.“We the People demand Parliamentary oversight of the administrative decision…to close the High Court in Bolgatanga and its environs,” he stated.

Mr Amidu also expressed concern that the closure decision lacked sufficient input from local legal stakeholders, questioning the Chief Justice’s consultations.