The Chief Justice, His Lordship Jusitce Anin Yeboah, has instructed courts to only allow entry to parties and witness listed in cases, as a precautionary measure in wake of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) in Ghana.

This is in cognizance to  President Akufo-Addo’s directive on measures to be put in place by institutions to combat the spread of COVID-19.

In the statement on Monday, March 16 signed by the Chief Justice, he said, the courts, in lieu to recent developments on coronavirus, will practice strict case management techniques which will only allow persons relevant to cases entry into the courtroom. This to avoid large gatherings, which can create an avenue for easy spread of the disease, in the courtroom. 

In addition, the Chief Justice noted other precautionary measures to be adopted by the court.

 He said: “Judges and Magistrates should endeavour to adjourn cases to specific times on given dates, to limit the number of people that will be allowed into the court room.

 Cause lists should be reduced drastically for few cases to be listed for hearing.”

“Judges and Magistrates should only hear cases which are of extreme urgency and as far as possible, exercise great restraint in remanding accused persons, in order to avoid overcrowding the prisons and police cells,” he added.

READ ALSO:

Coronavirus: Deputy Speaker Instructs MPs to Show up in Parliament despite Calls for Suspension

Also, “Judges and Magistrates should suspend the hearing of cases involving the movement of convicted and remand prisoners from the prisons to the Courts. In criminal appeals the Courts should dispense with the appearance of the appellants who are in prison custody.”

“Sanitizers are being provided for Court Users and arrangements are being made to have the court rooms regularly disinfected.”

The Chief Justice mentioned that in order to protect the Staff of the Service and the public and those who will interact with them “steps have been taken to provide them with face masks, gloves and sanitizers”.

The Judiciary requests the cooperation of all Court Users and the general public in the implementation of these arrangements.