Chief Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo has launched the 5th Edition of the Manual on Election Adjudication for Ghana’s upcoming elections.
The manual, organized into three volumes, compiles essential constitutional provisions, statutory and subsidiary regulations, and special procedural rules related to election conduct.
The first edition was introduced in 2008 under Chief Justice Georgina Theodora Wood.
During the ceremony in Accra on Thursday, Chief Justice Torkornoo emphasized that initiating a case in the wrong court could result in the loss of an otherwise valid claim.
She urged the gathering to pay close attention to the guidance and lessons presented in the manual.
“It should be extremely helpful to especially media, who need to correctly inform the public on ongoing disputes.”
The Chief Justice remarked that the manual serves as a testament to the Judiciary of Ghana’s ongoing commitment to democratic progress.
“It is our resolve to go over and beyond our call of duty and to ensure that the relevant law is not only known to judges and lawyers, but available as useful tools for election administrators, candidates, media practitioners and all citizens.
Chief Justice Torkornoo stated that widespread use and familiarity with the manual would help prevent avoidable misunderstandings and enhance Ghana’s democracy.
“I urge everyone to pay attention to its contents and allow it to be a good guide for all accessing justice in the courts,” she said.
The Chief Justice emphasized the urgent need to safeguard the rule of law and democratic principles in the country.
She reflected on the difficult experience of closing courts in the Upper Region, noting that “no one can benefit from such situations.”
Chief Justice Torkornoo stressed the importance of uniting around the administration of law and justice, especially with the upcoming elections, to preserve the national fabric established by the Constitution.
She noted that nothing should be taken for granted in the functioning of the courts, emphasizing that the law had become increasingly sophisticated.
“Not only is procedure critical but a failure to provide the legal threshold of evidence could be costly,” she added.
Justice Paul Baffoe Bonnie, a Supreme Court Judge, remarked that Ghana has benefited from the various manuals.
He explained that the manual was published in three volumes, with the first volume containing general guidelines for prosecuting cases, procedures, and jurisdictions, the second on election-related laws, and the third providing a digest of how cases had been handled by the Superior Courts.
Justice Cyra Pamela C.A. Koranteng, the Judicial Secretary, stated that the launch of the manual represents a significant milestone for the judiciary.
She noted that the manual should improve the transparency, fairness, and efficiency of Ghana’s electoral processes through clarity and justice.
Justice Koranteng emphasized that the election of the President and Members of Parliament was the citizens’ prerogative, and their trust in democratic institutions relied not only on the voting process but also on the integrity of the mechanisms for resolving disputes.
She said that election adjudication was a critical pillar of Ghana’s democracy, ensuring that electoral disputes are managed fairly, impartially, and in line with the rule of law.
Justice Issifu Omoro Tanko Amandu, Director of Judicial Training and a member of the Election Management Committee, reviewed the manual and noted that the publication of various manuals over the years has been an invaluable resource for key stakeholders in Ghana’s elections, particularly for lawyers, judges, Members of Parliament, and the Electoral Commission.
The launch was attended by representatives from the Electoral Commission, Ghana Police Service, the clergy, the Ghana Bar Association, members of the diplomatic corps, judges from both Superior and lower courts, and civil society organizations.
