The Chief Justice, Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo, has officially unveiled a revised edition of the Manual on Election Adjudication in Ghana, a critical resource crafted by the Judicial Service to guide the handling of electoral disputes. This manual, which has been updated for each electoral cycle since 2008, offers an extensive overview of election-related laws, legal procedures, and precedents, serving as a go-to reference for all stakeholders in the election process.
The latest edition, the fifth of its kind, stands out with its organization into three volumes, each addressing specific facets of election adjudication. This edition also introduces contributions from civil society organizations (CSOs), the Electoral Commission, the Judiciary, and other key stakeholders, aiming to refine and accelerate the adjudication process, particularly in resolving parliamentary election disputes.
Dignitaries present at the launch included Deputy Chairpersons of the Electoral Commission, Dr. Bossman Eric Asare and Samuel Tettey, as well as members of the diplomatic community, CSOs, judges, and traditional leaders.
Commitment to Democratic Values
Justice Torkornoo emphasized that elections are central to democracy, and the manual reaffirms the Judicial Service’s dedication to transparency, fairness, and the rule of law. “This manual is our commitment to going beyond our duty, ensuring that election laws are accessible not only to judges and lawyers but also as a resource for election administrators,” she stated.
She encouraged widespread usage of the manual, stressing that familiarity with its contents would help mitigate misunderstandings and reinforce the democratic process. For broader accessibility, a digital copy of the manual will be available for free on the Judicial Service’s website.
Justice Torkornoo expressed her gratitude to former Chief Justice Justice Georgina Theodora Wood, who initiated the manual, and her successors Justices Anin Yeboah and Sophia Akuffo, for sustaining the practice. She also commended the Judicial Service’s Election Management Committee (EMC), chaired by Supreme Court Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, for its dedication in producing this essential document.
Strengthening Democracy Through the Rule of Law
Justice Torkornoo called on all citizens to uphold and protect the nation’s democracy, emphasizing the urgent need to defend the rule of law. Highlighting recent challenges, she shared, “This past week, we had to close courts in the Upper Regions due to certain difficulties, underscoring that the rule of law is essential for everyone’s benefit.”
She urged collective support for the justice system in the upcoming elections, underscoring that a commitment to law and justice is crucial for preserving the constitutional framework that binds the nation.
Engaging Stakeholders to Improve Election Adjudication
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie outlined the EMC’s extensive consultations with various stakeholders to gather insights and recommendations. A key issue raised during these consultations was the need to expedite the adjudication of parliamentary election disputes. In response, the committee incorporated stakeholder recommendations into the manual and submitted them to the Rules of Court Committee and the Office of the Attorney-General for consideration.
Furthermore, Justice Baffoe-Bonnie noted that the EMC organized specialized training for magistrates and High Court judges who, under Regulation 21 (1) of C.I. 91, serve as district registration review officers and chief review registration officers, thereby enhancing their preparedness to manage election-related cases.
