The Office of the Judicial Secretary has issued a stern circular directing all court registrars and court clerks across the country to immediately institute mandatory digital notifications for lawyers and litigants whenever a court is unable to sit.
The directive, contained in Circular JS/2026/012 dated 12th October 2026 and signed by Judicial Secretary Musah Ahmed, follows growing concerns over the late communication of cancelled or adjourned court proceedings.
According to the Judicial Secretary, the administration of justice relies heavily on the efficiency of court registries alongside the integrity of the bench.
He noted that failing to communicate cancellations in good time imposes unnecessary financial burdens and severe frustration on court users.
“It has been brought to the attention of this Office that lawyers and litigants continue to face material/consequential inconvenience, financial hardship, and frustration due to the late notification of cancelled or adjourned court sittings,” the circular stated.
“When a court is unable to sit, and this information is not communicated timeously, the burden placed upon counsel and, most importantly, upon the litigants, is unacceptable. Such occurrences not only impose unnecessary financial costs but also undermine public confidence in the judicial process,” Mr Ahmed stressed.
Under the newly issued protocol, registrars and assigned court clerks are expected to take immediate, proactive steps to inform all affected parties using specified digital channels.
The directive outlines three primary operational steps that must be strictly observed: Proactive Communication: Registrars or assigned clerks must act immediately as soon as it becomes clear that a court cannot sit, notifying all counsel and litigants involved.
Approved Channels: All notifications must be sent using the most efficient digital platforms available, specifically WhatsApp, SMS, or email. Accuracy of Records: Registries are mandated to maintain fully updated and accurate contact details for all lawyers appearing before their respective courts to ensure seamless communication.
The circular further warns court staff that compliance with the new protocol is non-negotiable and that administrative sanctions will follow any avoidable failures.
“Registrars are reminded that they bear the responsibility for ensuring this notification protocol is observed. Failure to provide timely notice, where it is reasonably possible to do so, will be viewed as a serious dereliction of duty,” the Judicial Secretary warned. “We must strive to ensure that our judicial system remains accessible, efficient, and respectful of the time and resources of all stakeholders. We are here to serve the public, and that service must be characterised by professionalism and clear communication,” he added.
The directive has been copied to key judicial stakeholders, including the Chief Justice, the President of the Supreme Court, the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, the President of the Association of Magistrates and Judges, the Ghana Bar Association, the Ghana Law Society, and the Ghana Police Service. All heads of courts have been instructed to ensure immediate dissemination and enforcement within their respective jurisdictions.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
