The Chief Justice, Gertrude Torkornoo, on Thursday, October 31, launched the 5th edition of the Manual on Election Adjudication in Accra.
This edition aims to ensure the prompt adjudication of election-related cases before, during, and after the 2024 general elections.
Speaking at the launch at the Law Court Complex Auditorium in Accra, the Chief Justice urged Ghanaians to thoroughly read the Manual and pay close attention to its content during and after the elections.
She also advised journalists to carefully read the Manual to aid their work.
“Nothing can be taken for granted in court work…The failure to provide the legal threshold of evidence can be costly. Starting an action in the wrong court can lead to the loss of an otherwise perfect case.
“This is why I crave and ask that strong attention be paid to the teachings and the learnings in the materials that have been freely given in this manual.
“It should be extremely helpful to especially the media who need to correctly inform the public on ongoing disputes. This year’s edition which is divided into three volumes has the most significant change for easy reference and it is a credit to its drafters. In these three volumes, they have done a thorough job of reflecting the changing course of election law, while remaining true to the overarching principles that have guided previous editions.”
She stated that the publication is a testament to the judiciary’s commitment to Ghana’s democratic evolution, emphasizing the importance of making the law accessible to everyone.
Her Ladyship Gertrude Torkornoo also mentioned that the widespread use of the Manual will help prevent avoidable misunderstandings and strengthen the country’s democracy.
The Manual was distributed to various stakeholders including the Christian Council, Ghana Journalist Association (GJA), Ghana Police Service, Citi FM/Channel One TV and various media organisations and groups.
The 5th Election Manual
The fifth edition, unlike its predecessors, has been published in three volumes, (unlike the earlier editions, since the initial production in 2008). The segregation has become necessary, acknowledging the growth of the law and the variety of stakeholders, who would have different uses for the information contained therein.
Volume 1; the Manual, encapsulates general guidelines and considerations a party to a Presidential or Parliamentary dispute should consider, in terms of capacity, jurisdiction, and procedure.
Volume 2 is a compendium of election-related laws including the necessary statutory forms.
Volume 3, is a Digest of cases which provide insights into how the superior courts have dealt with previous cases, including constitutional interpretations provided by the Supreme Court.
The Manual has a whole chapter on the strides being made by the Judiciary to improve timelines for the adjudication of election-related disputes, detailing various papers and roadmaps to guide stakeholders/public discourse to get the necessary institutional and statutory reforms implemented.
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