Justice should not be a resource reserved for the wealthy. – Methodist Bishop implores Judiciary

The Immediate Past Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church, Ghana, the Most Rev. Dr. Paul Kwabena Boafo has implored the Ghanaian Judiciary as custodians of the law to ensure that justice does not become a commodity for only those who can afford it.

“In a world where inequality persists, where voices are silenced, where the vulnerable are often overlooked, you are moving into this year to be vigilant and to have a cause, and we must not allow justice to be a commodity available only for those who can afford it. The Judiciary, as custodians of the law, must not only apply legal principles to decisions but also act as stewards of truth, equity and fairness”, he said.

Procession of the Bench and the Bar to the Church

Most Rev. Dr. Kwabena Boafo was delivering a homily at a Church Service to mark the opening of the 67^th Legal Year, at the Cathedral Church of the Most Holy Trinity in Accra. It was on the theme “Building the Pillars of Justice delivery through Leadership, Innovation and Technology”. He also urged members of the Judiciary to ensure that the law was used as a tool to empower, and not to oppress, whiles reminding them of their responsibility as a major stakeholder in ensuring peaceful elections in December 2024. The Most Rev. further tasked Judges and Lawyers to spearhead the fight against illegal mining and what he termed as ‘ecological injustice’ which has become a topical issue in Ghana. He stressed, that the threats facing rivers, forests and ecosystems must be a concern to every Ghanaian, including members of the Bench (the Judiciary) and the Bar (Lawyers).

“When we advocate for environmental justice, we seek fairness and the best care for our environment. Illegal mining has dire consequences, including health issues like cancers, deformities, and water contamination. Those involved commit a grave injustice against us. As we enter the New Legal Year, ensuring justice prevails, is our responsibility,” Dr. Boafo noted.

(L-R) CJ, GBA National President and Deputy A-G take turns to read Bible

For her part, the Chief Justice, Her Ladyship Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo, whiles addressing a gathering of Judges and staff of the Judicial Service at a reception at the forecourt of the Supreme Court after the church service, urged all to “have an attitude of service and sacrifice” in the discharge of their duties, in the new Legal Year. This she said will give true meaning to our work as a public service institution.