The Judicial Service of Ghana has announced the temporary suspension of all court sittings in the Greater Accra Region on Tuesday, July 28, and Friday, July 31, 2026, to allow judges and magistrates to participate fully in activities commemorating the one hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the Supreme Court of Ghana, a historic milestone celebrating one of Africa’s oldest superior courts.
The directive, issued through a circular dated July 23, 2026, and signed by Judicial Secretary Musah Ahmed, instructed all judges and magistrates within the Greater Accra Region to attend the anniversary climax and thanksgiving service scheduled as part of the celebrations. The decision reflects the significance attached to the landmark occasion and the Judiciary’s desire for its officers to collectively honour the institution’s long contribution to Ghana’s legal and constitutional development.
In the circular, the Judicial Secretary indicated that he had been directed by the Chief Justice to formally invite all judges and magistrates in the region to participate in the commemorative activities. The notice emphasized that the presence of judicial officers would be essential to the success of the anniversary programme and would demonstrate the collective commitment of the Judiciary to celebrating its historical journey.
“I have been directed by His Lordship the Chief Justice to invite all Judges and Magistrates in the Greater Accra Region to grace the occasions,” the circular stated.
The Judicial Service explained that the main anniversary celebration will take place on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at the Ohene Konadu Auditorium of the University of Professional Studies, Accra, beginning at 9:00 a.m. The event is expected to attract senior judicial officers, members of the legal profession, government representatives, academics, and other stakeholders who will gather to reflect on the Supreme Court’s remarkable institutional history.
A thanksgiving service will subsequently be held on Friday, July 31, 2026, at the Accra Ridge Church at 10:00 a.m. The service is intended to provide an opportunity for judicial officers and stakeholders to express gratitude for the longevity of the institution and reflect on the Supreme Court’s role in shaping Ghana’s democratic journey.
The directive clearly stated that all courts within the Greater Accra Region must suspend proceedings on both days to enable judicial officers to participate in the anniversary activities.
“Consequently, no court sittings should be held on Tuesday, 28th July 2026 and Friday, 31st July 2026,” the circular directed.
The Supreme Court of Ghana, established in 1876, has reached the historic milestone of one hundred and fifty years of existence, placing it among the oldest apex courts on the African continent. Over its long history, the Court has evolved from its colonial origins into a central pillar of Ghana’s constitutional democracy, serving as the final authority on legal interpretation and the protection of constitutional principles.
Since the attainment of independence in 1957, and particularly under the Fourth Republic established by the 1992 Constitution, the Supreme Court has played a decisive role in defining Ghana’s constitutional order. Through landmark judgments, the Court has addressed complex national questions involving presidential powers, parliamentary authority, individual liberties, electoral disputes, and the relationship between the different branches of government.
The one hundred and fiftieth anniversary celebrations were officially launched on April 16, 2026, marking the beginning of a series of activities designed to highlight the Court’s historical contribution to justice administration, democratic stability, and the advancement of the rule of law in Ghana.
The celebrations have included programmes aimed at reflecting on the achievements of the Judiciary, recognising the contributions of past and present judicial officers, and promoting greater public understanding of the Supreme Court’s constitutional responsibilities.
The Judicial Service expressed appreciation to judges and magistrates for their dedication and support throughout the anniversary programme. It encouraged all judicial officers to participate in the commemorative events, describing the occasion as a rare opportunity to honour the legacy and continuing relevance of Ghana’s highest court.
“Given the importance of this occasion, we believe your presence would be a profound honour for the Judiciary and a vital contribution to the success of the celebrations,” the Judicial Secretary stated.
The anniversary comes at a significant period in Ghana’s democratic development, where the Judiciary continues to serve as a key institution responsible for safeguarding constitutional governance, protecting fundamental rights, and ensuring peaceful resolution of disputes through legal processes.
For one hundred and fifty years, the Supreme Court has remained central to the evolution of Ghana’s legal system and has contributed significantly to strengthening public confidence in justice delivery. Its decisions have shaped national conversations on democracy, accountability, governance, and the interpretation of constitutional provisions that guide the Republic.
The commemorative activities are expected to bring together judges, lawyers, legal scholars, traditional leaders, policymakers, and other stakeholders to celebrate the Supreme Court’s extraordinary journey while reflecting on the future of justice administration in Ghana.
As the Judiciary marks this historic anniversary, the temporary suspension of court proceedings in Greater Accra represents not merely an administrative arrangement but a recognition of the importance of preserving and celebrating an institution that has served as the ultimate guardian of Ghana’s legal and constitutional order for one and a half centuries.
