Chief Justice Calls on Youth to Serve with Integrity and Selflessness

Chief Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo has urged Ghana’s youth to commit themselves to serving the nation with integrity, selflessness, and a strong sense of responsibility.

Speaking at the 2024 Enhanced Chief Justice’s Mentoring Programme in Accra on Wednesday, she encouraged young people to embrace lawful conduct and contribute positively to the country’s development.

The event, held under the theme “I Pledge Myself to the Service of Ghana”, brought together students from six schools with established Justice Clubs, including St. Mary’s Senior High School, Accra High School, Presbyterian Boys’ Senior High School, SOS Hermann Gmeiner International College, Chemu Senior High Technical School, and Tema Senior High School. Additional participants included the Orange Girls (Kayayei) and the United Nations Youth Association.

The Chief Justice’s Mentoring Programme is designed to empower young people by boosting their confidence and instilling key values such as the rule of law, legality, and justice.

Through the initiative, students gain insight into the workings of the Justice Sector in Ghana, with an emphasis on ethical conduct and respect for the law.

Chief Justice Torkornoo emphasized that joining clubs, societies, and other youth groups provides opportunities for growth and learning outside the classroom. These activities, she noted, offer valuable knowledge, foster leadership skills, and help build resilience against negative influences.

She also explained that the introduction of Justice Clubs into schools and communities is part of a wider effort to promote understanding of legal principles and justice. “We aim to create a culture where the values of the rule of law are deeply ingrained throughout the country,” she said.

The Chief Justice stressed that the Judiciary has taken steps to engage with various segments of society, including students, community members, and people in underserved areas. This engagement, she added, is part of the Judiciary’s efforts to make its work more accessible and understandable to the public.

“Next year, we will be inaugurating more Justice Clubs in the regions of Ghana to continue our outreach,” she revealed.

Touching on the theme of national service, Chief Justice Torkornoo called on the youth to recognize that contributing to the nation’s development is a shared responsibility. She emphasized that, “We are one nation, one people, and one destiny,” and that the country’s future depends on collective contributions from all its citizens.

The Chief Justice urged young people to reject the notion that national service is limited to holding specific positions. She reminded them that every individual’s efforts play a vital role in building a strong and prosperous nation. “It is your individual contributions that will make this country great, prosperous, and strong,” she said.

Mrs. Efua Ghartey, President of the Ghana Bar Association (GBA), echoed the Chief Justice’s message, urging all Ghanaians to play their part in building a just and prosperous society. She highlighted that the legal profession goes beyond just representing clients in court—it is a calling to serve as guardians of justice and human rights. “Lawyers are the architects of justice and agents of social change,” she said, emphasizing their role in strengthening democratic institutions and supporting economic development.

Veteran lawyer Mr. Sam Okudzeto advised students to humble themselves and learn from experienced professionals in the legal field. He encouraged them to embrace technology as a valuable tool for their legal education and careers.

Justice Eric Kyei Baffour, a Court of Appeal Judge, advised the students to seek guidance from God, stay focused on their goals, and work diligently to achieve them. He also encouraged them to believe in their potential to make a positive impact.

After the session, the students had the opportunity to observe court proceedings and engage with judges and lawyers from both Superior and Lower Courts. This hands-on experience helped the students gain a deeper understanding of the judicial system in Ghana.