The Ghana Bar Association (GBA) has officially suspended all court-related activities today, June 30, 2025, in solemn observance of Martyrs’ Day—a day set aside to honour the memory of fallen judicial officers.
This annual withdrawal, endorsed by the Acting Chief Justice, His Lordship Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, is expected to disrupt court proceedings across the country, resulting in the adjournment of numerous legal matters.
In a circular dated June 17, 2025, the Acting Chief Justice reaffirmed the judiciary’s longstanding commitment to this tradition, granting formal approval for members of the Bar to abstain from court appearances on the day in question.
“In conformity with tradition, approval has been granted for members of the Ghana Bar Association to withdraw their services from court appearances on Monday, June 30, 2025,” the notice stated.
Martyrs’ Day marks the tragic events of June 30, 1982, when Justices Fred Poku Sarkodee, Cecilia Koranteng-Addow, and Kwadwo Agyei Agyapong, together with Major Sam Acquah (Rtd.), were abducted and brutally murdered. This dark episode remains a painful reminder of the sacrifices made in the pursuit of justice during one of Ghana’s most turbulent political periods.
To ensure proper coordination and adherence to the directive, the communication was circulated to relevant judicial stakeholders, including the Acting Judicial Secretary, Court Manager of the Law Court Complex, supervising High Court judges, and all registrars.
As the nation reflects on the service and sacrifice of these judicial martyrs, the GBA’s observance underscores a continued commitment to upholding the rule of law and the sanctity of the judiciary.
To ensure widespread compliance and coordination, the directive granting the GBA’s withdrawal of services was copied to key judicial officials, including the Acting Judicial Secretary, the Court Manager of the Law Court Complex, supervising High Court judges, and all registrars.
Read their statement below: