Martyrs’ Day: Lawyers to withdraw services on June 30

The Acting Chief Justice of Ghana, Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, has formally granted permission to members of the Ghana Bar Association (GBA) to abstain from court appearances on Monday, June 30, 2025, in observance of this year’s Martyrs’ Day celebrations.

In a circular issued on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, to all judges and magistrates across the country, the Acting Chief Justice noted that the exemption is in line with long-standing tradition, allowing legal practitioners to participate in the solemn national event commemorating the lives of judges who were murdered in the line of duty.

“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.