Chief Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo has unveiled a revised edition of Ghana’s Manual on Election Adjudication, a key document produced by the Judicial Service to guide the handling of electoral disputes in the country. The latest version, launched in Accra, is the fifth edition and has been updated every election year since 2008.
The manual, described as a comprehensive resource, covers electoral laws, previous rulings on election disputes, court procedures for election-related cases, and the steps for initiating election-related legal actions. Uniquely, the latest edition spans three volumes, each focusing on specific aspects of election adjudication. It also integrates suggestions from civil society organisations, the Electoral Commission (EC), the Judiciary, and other stakeholders, with a focus on expediting the resolution of parliamentary election disputes.
Justice Torkornoo emphasised the judiciary’s commitment to promoting transparency and the rule of law to strengthen democracy. “This manual demonstrates our resolve to ensure that relevant election laws are accessible not only to judges and lawyers but also as a practical tool for election administrators,” she said. She urged citizens and professionals alike to familiarise themselves with its contents to prevent misunderstandings and support democratic processes.
Attendees at the launch included Deputy Chairpersons of the EC, Dr Bossman Eric Asare and Samuel Tettey, members of the diplomatic corps, representatives from civil society, judges, and traditional leaders. Justice Torkornoo also commended former Chief Justices Georgina Theodora Wood, Sophia Akuffo, and Anin Yeboah for their contributions in sustaining the manual’s legacy.
Justice Torkornoo highlighted the pressing need to uphold democratic values, especially in light of recent challenges. “In the past week, I’ve had the difficult decision to close courts in the Upper Regions, and situations like these underscore the need for national unity in supporting the rule of law,” she said, stressing the importance of safeguarding Ghana’s democratic fabric.
The revised manual will be freely accessible on the Judicial Service’s website, a move aimed at enhancing public awareness and engagement. Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, chair of the Election Management Committee, noted that extensive stakeholder consultations informed the revisions, underscoring the judiciary’s collaborative approach.
Source:TheDotNews