Martyrs’ Day: Ghana Bar to Boycott Courts Today in Honour of Fallen Judges
Lawyers granted exemption from court appearances to commemorate slain judges murdered in 1982.
- GBA lawyers will not attend court on June 30 in observance of Martyrs’ Day
- Chief Justice approved the withdrawal
- Day honours judges murdered in 1982 during Ghana’s political unrest
The Acting Chief Justice of Ghana, Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, has officially authorized members of the Ghana Bar Association (GBA) to refrain from court duties on Monday, June 30, 2025, as part of the national Martyrs’ Day observance.
In a circular dated Tuesday, June 17, 2025, addressed to all judges and magistrates, the Acting Chief Justice affirmed that this decision aligns with an established tradition allowing legal professionals to take part in the annual remembrance of judicial martyrs—judges who lost their lives while serving the nation.
“As has been customary, approval has been granted for GBA members to abstain from court appearances on Monday, June 30, 2025,” the notice read.
Martyrs’ Day is observed annually in memory of Justices Fred Poku Sarkodee, Cecilia Koranteng-Addow, and Kwadwo Agyei Agyapong, along with Major Sam Acquah (Rtd.), who were tragically abducted and killed on June 30, 1982, during a turbulent period in Ghana’s history.
Copies of the circular were distributed to key judicial stakeholders, including the Acting Judicial Secretary, Court Manager of the Law Court Complex, Supervising High Court Judges, and all Registrars, to facilitate smooth implementation of the directive.
