By Ghana News 
Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie has openly rejected demands from the Ghana Bar Association (GBA) to halt court proceedings during the official legal vacation.
Speaking at the 2nd Quadrennial Delegates Congress of the Senior Staff Association of the Judicial Service in Sunyani on August 10, 2026, the Chief Justice insisted that lawyers cannot unilaterally decide to skip scheduled trial dates.
The disagreement started after the GBA wrote an official letter dated August 10, 2026, appealing to the Chief Justice regarding notices served on law firms including Zoe, Akyea & Co, Dame & Partners, and Sam Okudzeto & Associates.
These notices required lawyers to appear in court under special warrants issued to specific judges to continue part-heard criminal cases during the annual long vacation.
The GBA cited Order 79, Rule 4 of the High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules, 2004 (C.I. 47), which sets aside the period from August 1 to September 30 for judges, lawyers, and court staff to rest.
The Bar Association argued that while emergency vacation courts handle pressing interlocutory matters, they do not conduct full trials unless counsel agrees to participate voluntarily.
The GBA insisted that if a lawyer indicates unavailability during vacation, judges should simply adjourn the case rather than force clients to appear without legal representation.
However, Chief Justice Baffoe-Bonnie firmly pushed back, stating that making travel or personal plans during vacation does not give a lawyer automatic power to stop a sitting judge from conducting business.
He emphasized that court adjournments are judicial decisions made strictly by presiding judges rather than administrative orders issued by the Chief Justice.
“Adjournments are not at the instance of the Chief Justice; adjournment is a judicial act,” Chief Justice Baffoe-Bonnie stated, reminding lawyers that they must obtain client approval rather than dictate terms to sitting courts.
The sharp exchange has sparked a wider national debate within Ghana’s legal community over balancing judicial efficiency against the statutory right to rest.
Also Read: GBA Fights Chief Justice To Protect Legal Vacation