Oppong Nkrumah challenges Chief Justice vacation directives

Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, Member of Parliament for Ofoase-Ayirebi and former Information Minister, has invoked the original jurisdiction of the Ghana — Supreme Court of Ghana to challenge directives issued by the Ghana — Chief Justice of Ghana that allow selected judges to hear certain criminal cases during the legal vacation. In a writ filed on August 14, 2026, he seeks declarations that the Chief Justice's warrants are unconstitutional, arguing they violate Articles 17(1), (2), 23, and 296(a) and (b) of the 1992 Constitution by creating selective justice and unequal treatment. He also contends the directives infringe on the right to health of lawyers and Judicial Service staff, citing Articles 24(1), (2) and 36(10). Additionally, he challenges Order 79 Rules 1(1) and 2 of the High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules, 2004 (C.I. 47) as unconstitutional to the extent they permit the Chief Justice to select cases for vacation hearings. The writ names the Chief Justice and the Ghana — Attorney General of Ghana as defendants, who have 14 days to respond. The case raises broader questions about the Chief Justice's administrative discretion and the constitutional limits on case prioritization during court vacations.