By Grace Zigah
Chief Justice Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie has authorised two High Court judges to continue hearing selected high-profile criminal cases during the 2026 legal vacation, a move expected to ensure that ongoing prosecutions involving politically exposed persons are not delayed by the judiciary’s annual vacation.
The special warrant, issued to Justice Francis Achibonga, who presides over Criminal Court 3, and Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay of Criminal Court 4, allows the two courts to sit throughout the legal vacation to conduct case management conferences and criminal trials.
The development was announced in open court during proceedings in Republic v. Hanan Abdul Wahab & Another (Suit No. CR/0530/2026) before Criminal Court 3 and Republic v. Gifty Oware-Mensah & Others (Suit No. CR/0448/25) before Criminal Court 4.
Special Warrant During Court Vacation
Under the judicial calendar, the legal vacation, which begins on August 1, generally provides judges and lawyers with a period of rest, while only specially designated courts handle urgent matters.
However, exercising his administrative powers, the Chief Justice issued warrants authorising the two judges to continue hearing selected criminal cases during the vacation period.
The move is expected to facilitate the expeditious hearing of cases involving politically exposed persons linked to the former New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration.
Hanan Abdul Wahab Trial to Begin in August
In the case involving Hanan Abdul Wahab and another, the court first dismissed an application for stay of proceedings filed by Dame & Partners, lawyers representing the accused.
Following the ruling, Justice Francis Achibonga informed counsel that he had received a warrant from the Chief Justice authorising him to sit during the legal vacation.
The court subsequently fixed August 13 and 14, 2026, for the commencement of trial.
Lawyers representing the accused objected to the scheduled dates, arguing that legal vacation has traditionally been reserved for rest and that many lawyers had already made travel arrangements outside Ghana.
Despite the objections, Justice Achibonga maintained the vacation hearing dates, stressing that the trial would proceed as scheduled.
Gifty Oware-Mensah Case Deferred
A different outcome emerged in the criminal case involving former National Service Authority Deputy Director General Gifty Oware-Mensah.
Although Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay had also been authorised to sit during the legal vacation, lawyers for the defence opposed an August hearing.
Following discussions between both prosecution and defence, the parties agreed on a later date, prompting the court to adjourn proceedings to October 27, 2026, after the legal vacation had ended.
Solomon Asamoah Case Also Continues
In another high-profile criminal prosecution involving Republic v. Solomon Asamoah & Another (Suit No. CR/0448/25), the court similarly refused an application seeking a stay of proceedings.
Following the dismissal of the application, the court adjourned the matter to August 24, 2026, for a Case Management Conference, meaning the proceedings will also continue during the legal vacation.
Push for Speedy Disposal of High-Profile Cases
The Chief Justice’s decision comes amid increasing calls for the judiciary to accelerate the hearing of corruption, financial crime and other high-profile criminal prosecutions to reduce delays within the justice system.
By authorising selected judges to sit during the vacation period, the Judicial Service appears to be seeking a balance between preserving the annual legal vacation and ensuring that significant criminal prosecutions continue without unnecessary interruption.
The special warrants mean that while most courts will observe the legal vacation, Criminal Courts 3 and 4 will continue handling designated cdirective.ine with the Chief Justice’s directive.
