Chief Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo has called on young people to embrace a strong sense of national service, emphasizing the importance of integrity and selflessness in contributing to the country’s progress.
Speaking at the 2024 Enhanced Chief Justice’s Mentoring Programme in Accra on Wednesday, she urged the youth to commit to lawful behavior and conduct. 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 initiative is designed to inspire and influence young people, boosting their confidence while instilling values of law, legality, and justice within schools, families, and communities. The program provides students with a deeper understanding of the workings of the Justice Sector in Ghana.
Chief Justice Torkornoo highlighted that participation in clubs, societies, and associations offers valuable opportunities for knowledge and growth beyond the classroom. She noted that these activities not only enhance learning but also strengthen ethical values, develop leadership skills, and build resilience against negative influences.
This is why, she explained, she had proposed the establishment of Justice Clubs in schools and communities. The goal is to foster a deeper understanding of the rule of law and justice, promoting these fundamental principles across the nation.
The Chief Justice also pointed out that the Judiciary has deliberately chosen to engage with various groups, including schools, marketplaces, and underserved communities. By making the work of the Judiciary more accessible, she said, the aim is to demystify its processes and make continuous learning both enjoyable and effective.
“Next year, we will be on the road to inaugurate more Justice Clubs in the regions of Ghana,” she said.
Touching on the theme, Chief Justice Torkornoo stressed the importance of dedicating oneself to the service of the nation, noting that “we are one nation, one people, and have one destiny.” She emphasized that the nation can only thrive if everyone contributes their efforts toward building and strengthening it.
She also urged the youth to challenge the misconception that national service can only be performed in specific positions. A nation’s greatness, she argued, is built through the collective contributions of all its citizens.
“Your individual contributions will make this country, like the nations we admire, great, prosperous, and strong,” she said, encouraging students to see themselves as capable of generating innovative ideas and projects that can benefit society.
Mrs. Efua Ghartey, President of the Ghana Bar Association (GBA), echoed these sentiments, urging everyone to contribute to building a just, equitable, and prosperous society. She reminded the students that the legal profession is not just a career, but a calling that extends beyond courtrooms and legal documents.
“Lawyers are the architects of justice, guardians of human rights, and agents of social change,” Mrs. Ghartey said. “We have been at the forefront of national progress, strengthening democratic institutions and creating legal frameworks that promote economic development.”
Veteran lawyer Mr. Sam Okudzeto encouraged the students to remain humble and learn from those with more experience in the profession. He also emphasized the opportunity that the legal field offers for deep understanding and critical examination of societal issues.
Justice Eric Kyei Baffour, a Court of Appeal Judge, advised the students to seek guidance from God, believe in their abilities, and work diligently to achieve their goals.
Following the mentoring session, the students had the opportunity to observe court proceedings and engage with judges and lawyers from both the Superior and Lower Courts.
