Ghanaian citizen challenges constitutionality of judiciary's annual legal vacation
Elorm Kwami Gorni, a Ghanaian citizen, has initiated legal action at the Supreme Court, challenging the constitutionality of the annual legal vacation for Ghana's Supreme Court and Court of Appeal. The suit, filed on July 28, 2026, names Attorney General Dr Dominic Ayine and Chief Justice Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie as defendants. Gorni argues that the two-month suspension of sittings, from August 1 to September 30 each year, infringes on citizens' right to timely access to justice, as no vacation courts are provided for these appellate courts, unlike the High Courts. He contends that this practice can delay the hearing and determination of various legal matters. Gorni seeks a declaration that Rule 61b of the Court of Appeal Rules, 1997 C.I. 19, and Rule 82 of the Supreme Court Rules, 1996 C.I. 16, are unconstitutional for permitting the suspension of court sittings during this period, arguing they conflict with several articles of the 1992 Constitution. He clarified that his challenge is not against judges taking annual leave but seeks to ensure the courts' constitutional functions continue uninterrupted. He is requesting an order directing the Chief Justice to explore alternative arrangements like rotational sittings or staggered leave schedules to ensure continuous operation of the courts.
