Ghana Bar Association withdraws services for Martyrs' Day observance

The Ghana Bar Association (GBA) has fully withdrawn its services today, June 30, 2025, in observance of Martyrs' Day.

This action, formally permitted by Ghana's Acting Chief Justice, Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, is expected to significantly impact court proceedings nationwide, potentially delaying numerous cases.

In a circular issued on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, Acting Chief Justice Baffoe-Bonnie informed all judges and magistrates that the exemption aligns with a long-standing tradition.

"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 statement said.

This tradition honours the lives of judges who were murdered in the line of duty.

Martyrs' Day is a significant annual event commemorating the abduction and murder of Justices Fred Poku Sarkodee, Cecilia Koranteng-Addow, and Kwadwo Agyei Agyapong, along with Major Sam Acquah (Rtd.), on June 30, 1982.

This tragic event occurred during a dark chapter in Ghana's political history, as reported by citinewsroom.com on June 29, 2025.

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 statement below

Public Service of Lawyers may be withdrawn on 30th June, 2025 which may likely occasion the adjournment of cases.

This is for them to attend an event in remembrance of the three(3) judges killed during the PNDC era. pic.twitter.com/QEjW4Al5ul

— GhLawTrends (@GhLawTrends) June 29, 2025