The Chief Justice has directed lawyers in Accra, Tema, Kasoa and Kumasi to stay home as they not part of the category of critical staff exempted from the two-week partial lockdown which begun in parts of the country.
At the time of announcing the lockdown, President Nana Akufo-Addo mentioned the judiciary is exempted however, Chief Justice Anin Yeboah in a new directive on Monday said lawyers are to observe the lockdown.
The Chief Justice (CJ) has therefore asked registrars of courts in the lockdown areas to adjourn all cases listed during this period to dates in May and June 2020.
In a bid to stop the spread of the deadly coronavirus which has so far affected 152 people in Ghana from spreading, government announced a partial lockdown to minimize movement of people.
People have been advised to stay home during the period unless it becomes necessary for them to access essential services.
The lockdown breaches could attract a four-year jail term and or 12,000 cedis if found guilty.
The CJ in the statement said 28 courts in Kumasi and Accra have been designated to deal with critical cases which may arise from the restriction orders and other criminal matters.
It said registrars, cashiers, court clerks, interpreters, recorders and bailiffs have already been asked to report for duty offer support to the designated courts, adding “all other staff will be required to apply for their leave during the period of the restriction”.
However, the statement said, “The Supreme Court and Court of Appeal are available to handle urgent cases as may be determined by the Chief Justice during this period”.
