New Covid strain compels Judiciary to postpone 2021 Legal Year Service
During the legal vacation, the lower courts and some High courts continue to operate, so that the wheels of justice will not grind to a halt
The 2021 Legal Year Service has been postponed by Ghana’s Judiciary.
In a circular, to all Judges, Magistrates, the Ghana Bar Association, and all Directors and staff of the Judicial Service, the Chief Justice, Kwasi Anin Yeboah expressed his regret in taking such a decision.
“…It is regrettable that this year’s Annual Legal Year Service cannot come on as scheduled,” he indicated.
The Annual Legal year Service, according to the Chief Justice has been postponed due to the upsurge in the Covid-19 infections nationwide, and furtherance of the social distancing protocols, and restrictions of public gatherings imposed by the President of the Republic.
Background
The Judicial Service holds a special service each year to officially signify the start of the legal year
The occasion brings together the clergy, judges, lawyers, and other stakeholders in the justice delivery system of the country, with the common purpose of seeking divine intervention during the new legal year.
It usually begins with a procession of judges and lawyers, led by the Chief Justice, to the church premises, and after the service, there is usually a cocktail at the forecourt of the Supreme Court building.
The legal year is from October to July and it commences after the legal vacation (August-September) when justices of the superior courts go on recess.
During the legal vacation, the lower courts and some High courts continue to operate, so that the wheels of justice will not grind to a halt.
