The Judicial Service has directed all Registrars and Court Clerks to ensure timely notification to lawyers and litigants whenever a court is unable to sit.
The directive is contained in a circular issued by the Judicial Secretary, Ahmed Musah, on behalf of the Service, made this known in a circular released on Monday, October 12, 2026.
According to the Service, the move has become necessary because “lawyers and litigants continue to face material/consequential inconvenience, financial hardship, and frustration due to the late notification of cancelled or adjourned court sittings.”
The circular noted that “the administration of justice depends not only on the integrity of the bench but also on the efficiency and reliability of the Registry in managing the business of the court.”
“When a court is unable to sit, and this information is not communicated timeously, the burden placed upon counsel and, most importantly, upon the litigants, is unacceptable,” it stated.
The Service said such occurrences “not only impose unnecessary financial costs but also undermine public confidence in the judicial process.”
Under the new directive which takes effect immediately, all Registrars and assigned Court Clerks must notify all relevant counsel and litigants on record without delay as soon as it becomes apparent that a court will be unable to sit.
To ensure compliance, the Judicial Service outlined a strict protocol: First, Registrars must proactively communicate any inability of a court to sit.
Second, notification must be transmitted via the most efficient digital means available, specifically WhatsApp, SMS, or email.
Third, the Registry is responsible for maintaining updated and accurate contact details for all counsel appearing before the court.
On accountability, the Service reminded Registrars that they bear responsibility for ensuring the protocol is observed, cautioning that “failure to provide timely notice, where it is reasonably possible to do so, will be viewed as a serious dereliction of duty.”
“We must strive to ensure that our judicial system remains accessible, efficient, and respectful of the time and resources of all stakeholders. We are here to serve the public, and that service must be characterised by professionalism and clear communication,” the circular added.
All heads of courts have been requested to ensure immediate dissemination and strict adherence to the directive.
