28 courts in Accra and Kumasi designated for only lockdown-related cases

The Chief Justice has directed all hearings within the partial lockdown areas to be adjourned to May and June 2020.

This follows a directive by President Nana Akufo-Addo for citizens to stay indoors as part of measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

This two-week directive is to be enforced by a joint police-military deployment across parts of Accra, Tema and Kumasi where significant cases of the infection have been recorded.

The Imposition of Restriction Act, passed by Parliament slaps a 1,000 to 5,000 penalty-unit fine on those who flout the law which translates into a GHS12,000 or GHS60,000 respectively.

This is an equivalent of up to 14 years imprisonment in default.

A statement signed by Justice Aninn Yeboah on Thursday said the move was to also ensure that “the critical service rendered by this arm of government is made available during this period as exigencies of the situation demands.”

“…Registrars are directed to adjourn all cases listed during this period to dates in May and June 2020,” the release read.

The statement also indicated that 28 courts in Greater Accra and Greater Kumasi have been designated to deal solely with individuals who fail to comply with the partial lockdown protocols.

The Chief Justice, however, added that the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal are also available to handle urgent cases within the same time frame.

While some support staff have been requested to take their annual leave as part of measure to curb the spread of coronavirus, a specific category that will be required to assist in the designated courts.

These include registrars, cashiers, court clerks, interpreters, recorders and bailiffs.

The Chief Justice also wants administrative offices of the judiciary in the affected areas to be manned by ‘skeletal staff determined by Heads of Departments to ensure that critical service are rendered during this period.”

Ghana has recorded 152 confirmed cases of COVID-19 with four deaths and 2 recoveries so far.

Source: Myjoyonline.com