Accra: Lawyers for Kwabena Adu-Boahene, the former Director-General of the National Signals Bureau (NSB), have petitioned the Chief Justice to suspend his criminal trial during the legal vacation. The defence is seeking the withdrawal of a directive that allows the part-heard case to continue before Specialised Court One during the vacation period.
According to Ghana News Agency, the request was included in a petition signed by Mr. Samuel Atta-Akyea, Head of Chambers at Zoe, Akyea and Co., and submitted to the Chief Justice. The petition noted that the defence was informed of a warrant issued under the Chief Justice's authority, directing Specialised Court One, presided over by Justice Francis Apangabuno Achibonga, to continue hearing the matter. The court has scheduled August 11, 12, and 13, 2026, for the continuation of proceedings.
The lawyers argued they would be unable to attend the scheduled sittings, as the directive requires them to work during the legal vacation-a period when other lawyers are not required to undertake regular court duties. The petition highlighted that members of the law firm have worked throughout the legal year, from October 2025 to July 2026, handling cases across the country.
The defence contended that the legal vacation serves as a period for judges and lawyers to rest after an intensive legal year. It raised concerns about the continued hearing of selected cases during the vacation, suggesting that this could create perceptions of unequal treatment, as other criminal and civil matters have been adjourned to October and November 2026.
The petition referenced Article 125(1) of the 1992 Constitution, which states that justice emanates from the people and shall be administered by an independent Judiciary. The defence emphasized the importance of maintaining public confidence in the Judiciary.
Consequently, the defence has requested the Chief Justice to reconsider the directive, withdraw the warrant authorizing the vacation sittings, and vacate the scheduled hearing dates. They have also asked that the case resume during the next legal term, consistent with the treatment of other pending cases before the courts.