Chief Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo has launched a revised edition of the manual on electoral dispute adjudication in Ghana.
This manual serves as a vital guide for navigating the complex process of resolving electoral disputes in the country.
The Manual on Election Adjudication in Ghana is a crucial publication produced by the Judicial Service, consistently released every electoral year since 2008.
This comprehensive guide is designed to aid stakeholders in navigating electoral disputes, providing an easy-to-read compilation of relevant information and resources.
The Manual on Election Adjudication in Ghana is a comprehensive guide that covers everything related to election laws and regulations in the country. It’s a one-stop shop that provides a thorough understanding of electoral laws, court decisions on election disputes, and the procedures for resolving electoral conflicts.
The fifth edition of the Manual on Election Adjudication in Ghana is a game-changer, featuring three comprehensive volumes that tackle specific aspects of election adjudication.
This revised edition is a significant upgrade, providing a detailed and organized resource for anyone involved in Ghana’s electoral process.
The new edition of the manual takes election adjudication to the next level by incorporating valuable proposals and recommendations from civil society organizations (CSOs), the Electoral Commission, the Judiciary, and other stakeholders.
These suggestions focus on enhancing the overall election adjudication process in Ghana, with a special emphasis on streamlining Parliamentary Election disputes.
The launch of the Manual on Election Adjudication in Ghana was a star-studded event, with notable attendees including Dr. Bossman Eric Asare and Samuel Tettey, the two Deputy Chairpersons of the Electoral Commission.
Also in attendance were members of the diplomatic corps, civil society organizations, judges, and traditional leaders.
Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo emphasized that elections are the backbone of democracy, and the Manual on Election Adjudication is a shining example of the Judicial Service’s dedication to upholding transparency, fairness, and the rule of law.
“It is our resolve to go over and beyond our call of duty to ensure that the relevant law is not only known to judges and lawyers, but available as a useful tool for election administrators,” she said.
“Its wide usage and familiarity will prevent avoidable misunderstandings and strengthen our democracy. I urge everyone to pay close attention to its contents and allow it to be a good guide for accessing justice in the courts,” she added.
Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo has announced that a free digital version of the election adjudication manual will be available on the Judicial Service website.
She took the opportunity to acknowledge the contributions of her predecessors, particularly Justice Georgina Theodora Wood, who initially conceived the idea of the manual. Justices Anin Yeboah and Sophia Akuffo were also recognized for their role in continuing the practice.
Torkornoo also expressed gratitude to the Election Management Committee (EMC) of the Judicial Service, led by Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, a Supreme Court Justice, for their tireless efforts in producing the manual.
This collaborative effort demonstrates the Judiciary’s commitment to promoting transparency, fairness, and accountability in Ghana’s electoral process.
Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo emphasized that protecting Ghana’s democracy and ensuring its continued growth is a collective responsibility that falls on every citizen’s shoulders.
She stressed that it’s not just the government’s or institutions’ duty, but rather a shared obligation among all Ghanaians to safeguard the democratic foundation and allow it to flourish.
“Currently, there is an even more urgent need to protect the essence of the rule of law and democratic principles in the country. In the last week, I have had the unpleasant duty of having to close down courts in the Upper Regions of our country, and no one benefits from such situations.
“It is in the national interest for all and sundry to rally around the administration of law and justice in the coming elections in order to ensure the preservation of the national fabric that the Constitution has put together for us,” she added.