Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo has officially launched the 5th edition of the Manual on Election Adjudication at the Law Court Complex Auditorium in Accra.
This new edition is designed to facilitate the prompt handling of election-related cases in the lead-up to, during, and after the 2024 general elections.
During her speech, the Chief Justice underscored the importance of thoroughly reading the Manual, urging Ghanaians to engage deeply with its content. She highlighted its significance for journalists, who are crucial in accurately reporting on electoral matters.
“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.”
Justice Torkornoo emphasized that the insights offered in the Manual are essential for the media, which must inform the public accurately about ongoing electoral disputes.
This edition is presented in three volumes, marking a significant update that reflects the evolving nature of election law while remaining true to the foundational principles of earlier versions.
She reiterated that this publication demonstrates the judiciary’s dedication to Ghana’s democratic development by making legal information accessible to all citizens.
Moreover, she noted that the widespread distribution of the Manual will help prevent misunderstandings and bolster the nation’s democracy.
The Manual has been distributed to various stakeholders, including the Christian Council, the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), the Ghana Police Service, and several media organizations such as Citi FM/Channel One TV.
The 5th edition differs from previous versions by being divided into three volumes, a necessary adaptation that acknowledges the growth of the law and the diverse needs of various stakeholders.
Volume 1 serves as a comprehensive guide, providing general guidelines and crucial information on election law.