The Acting Chief Justice of Ghana, Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, has officially granted members of the Ghana Bar Association (GBA) permission to abstain from court proceedings on Monday, June 30, 2025, in observance of Martyrs’ Day.
In a circular dated Tuesday, June 17, 2025, and addressed to all judges and magistrates nationwide, Justice Baffoe-Bonnie emphasized that the directive upholds a long-standing tradition that allows legal practitioners to fully participate in the national commemoration.
Martyrs’ Day honors the memory of judges who were abducted and murdered in the line of duty, and the exemption ensures that members of the legal profession can pay their respects during the solemn occasion.
“In conformity with tradition, approval has been granted for members of the Ghana Bar Association to withdraw their services from court appearances on Monday, 30th June 2025,” the directive stated.
The Martyrs’ Day observance is a significant annual event marked to honour the memory of Justices Fred Poku Sarkodee, Cecilia Koranteng-Addow, and Kwadwo Agyei Agyapong, as well as Major Sam Acquah (Rtd.), who were abducted and murdered on June 30, 1982, during a dark chapter in Ghana’s political history.
The letter was copied to the Acting Judicial Secretary, the Court Manager of the Law Court Complex, Supervising High Court Judges, and all Registrars to ensure compliance and coordination.
Read the full letter below
