Supreme Court dismisses Oppong Nkrumah’s bid to halt vacation court sittings

By: Eugene Atsu Dogbatse 
The Supreme Court has dismissed an injunction application by Kojo Oppong Nkrumah seeking to stop High Courts from sitting during the legal vacation.

The ruling was delivered on Friday, August 21, 2026, by Justice Gabriel Pwamang, who rejected the application seeking to restrain the High Courts from conducting proceedings during the vacation period.

Mr. Oppong Nkrumah had approached the apex court with an application aimed at preventing High Courts from sitting during the legal vacation. The case raised concerns about the circumstances under which courts could continue hearing matters outside their regular sitting periods.

However, the Supreme Court’s decision means the injunction sought by the former Information Minister will not take effect.

The dismissal clears the way for High Courts that have been scheduled or authorised to sit during the legal vacation to continue hearing cases.

The development provides immediate certainty for lawyers and litigants whose cases are expected to come before the courts during the vacation period. Such parties can proceed with their cases without the restrictions that would have followed if the injunction had been granted.

Justice Gabriel Pwamang’s ruling also leaves intact the existing arrangements governing vacation court sittings.

Legal vacation traditionally provides a break from the regular court calendar, but courts may still sit to hear selected matters in accordance with established rules and judicial directions.

The Supreme Court’s decision does not necessarily mean that all High Courts will operate normally throughout the vacation. Rather, matters scheduled for vacation sittings can proceed within the framework established by the judiciary.

The ruling is therefore expected to prevent further uncertainty over the status of cases listed for hearing during the vacation.

The dismissal of the application also underscores the Supreme Court’s role in determining disputes concerning the interpretation and application of rules governing the country’s judicial system.