Atta Akyea Urges Chief Justice to Withdraw Vacation Hearing Directive

Samuel Atta Akyea, head of chambers at Zoe, Akyea & Co., has asked the Chief Justice to withdraw a directive that allows the criminal trial involving former National Signals Bureau Director-General Kwabena Adu-Boahene to continue during the legal vacation. The directive was issued by Justice Francis Apangabuno Achibonga, who is sitting as an additional High Court judge, following a warrant issued under the authority of the Chief Justice.

Directive Could Create Impression of Selective Justice

In a letter dated August 5, 2026, Mr. Atta Akyea argued that the directive would force the lawyers for the accused persons to work during the legal vacation while other lawyers and judges were resting. He stated that members of his law firm had already worked throughout the legal year, from October 2025 to July 2026, and had planned personal engagements and travel during the vacation period.

The legal vacation has traditionally been a period for lawyers and judges to rest after a demanding year, Mr. Atta Akyea said. He warned that allowing the case to continue during the vacation could create the impression of selective justice. Many other criminal and civil cases had been adjourned until October or November 2026 because of the legal vacation, he argued, and the Adu-Boahene case should be treated in the same manner.

Concerns Over Two Systems of Justice Delivery

Mr. Atta Akyea further stated that some members of the public had formed the view that there were now two systems of criminal justice delivery: one for what he described as “special criminal cases” before specialised courts and another for ordinary criminal cases that follow the normal process. He appealed to the Chief Justice to reconsider the directive, withdraw the warrant and adjourn the case until the courts resume regular sittings.

Article 125 of the 1992 Constitution

In the letter, Mr. Atta Akyea referred to Article 125(1) of the 1992 Constitution, which states that justice is administered in the name of the Republic by an independent Judiciary. He emphasized that this provision underscores the importance of an independent Judiciary that is not influenced by external factors.

The Case Involving Kwabena Adu-Boahene

The criminal case involves Mr. Adu-Boahene, Angela Adjei Boateng and Advantage Solutions Limited. Copies of the letter were also sent to the Judicial Secretary, the President of the Ghana Bar Association and the Registrar of High Court Specialised Court 1 in Accra.

What Happens Next

The Chief Justice will now consider Mr. Atta Akyea's request and decide whether to withdraw the directive or allow the case to continue during the legal vacation. The decision will have significant implications for the administration of justice in the country, and could impact the perception of fairness and impartiality in the Judiciary.

Source: Ghanaian Times