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Most Rev. Dr. Paul Kwabena Boafo, Presiding Bishop of The Methodist Church, Ghana, has called on Judges and Lawyers to prioritise accessibility to justice for all, emphasising that it should not be treated as a commodity for the privileged. He delivered this message during the 67th Legal Year Church Service in Accra, themed “Building the Pillars of Justice Delivery through Leadership, Innovation and Technology.” Dr. Boafo urged legal practitioners to approach their roles with empathy and ethical responsibility, stressing that justice must be available to everyone, regardless of their financial status. “In a world where inequalities persist, we must be vigilant,” he said, underscoring the judiciary’s vital role in combating systemic injustices. Reflecting on the moral imperative of justice, he reminded attendees of their responsibility toward the vulnerable, including women, orphans and those without means. “Let justice flow like rivers,” he proclaimed, envisioning a society where every individual feels secure in their rights. The Reverend Minister asserted that justice is not merely about winning cases, it is about ensuring fair treatment for all who seek help. He called for unity within the legal community, stating “Let us support one another in our shared pursuit of justice.” He noted that justice transcends the technical application of rules, impacting the collective morality and ethical commitments of society. Quoting Isaiah in the Holy Bible, he urged attendees to “learn to do good, seek justice, correct oppression, bring justice to the fatherless.” Dr. Boafo also emphasised the importance of fair and equitable justice in the lead-up to the December 2024 elections. He stated that justice fosters trust in institutions and reduces the potential for violence, highlighting the need for impartiality in the electoral process. “You are major stakeholders in establishing a just electoral system,” he declared, calling on legal leaders to create an environment where laws are enforced with integrity, challenging systemic biases that marginalise vulnerable groups. Furthermore, he linked justice to environmental sustainability, cautioning against the destructive practices associated with illegal mining or ‘galamsey.’ He described this as a form of environmental injustice, highlighting how the actions of powerful individuals harm both the environment and marginalised communities. Dr. Boafo warned of the severe consequences of environmental degradation, including health issues such as cancer and deformities in children, due to contaminated water. “What we are doing to the environment will have dire consequences for us,” he cautioned. The service served as a poignant reminder of the judiciary’s essential role in upholding democratic values and protecting the rights of all citizens, particularly in a nation striving for greater equity and integrity in its legal system. chronicle

The Most Reverend Dr. Paul Kwabena Boafo, Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church Ghana, has called on lawyers and judges to take a leading role in combating illegal mining. He characterized illegal mining, or galamsey, as an ecological injustice and urged the judiciary to safeguard Ghana’s ecology from potential harm. The Most Rev. Dr Boafo, who made the call during a church service in Accra to usher in the 67th Legal Year by the Judiciary, noted that environmental harm in Ghana was not a natural occurrence but a consequence of human actions. He emphasized that the damage inflicted on Ghana’s forests, rivers, and ecosystems should deeply concern everyone, including the Judiciary. “When we are calling for environmental justice, we are calling for fairness and the best care for the environment that sustains us all…You should be champions of equity, Justice, and fairness,” he told the Judiciary. The 67th Legal Year is on the theme “Building the Pillars of Justice Delivery through Leadership, Innovation and Technology.” The Most Rev. Dr. Boafo pointed out that individuals in “high places” encouraged and recruited the youth to engage in environmental destruction in their pursuit of gold. He also recalled that there were numerous cases of illegal mining currently before the courts. “Our role is to make sure we secure this nation while we seek to defend and protect the people and sustain the environment. “The consequences of what we are doing to the environment has dire consequences on us,” he said. The Most Rev. Dr. Boafo noted that illegal mining had led to various health issues, including cancers, deformities in newborns, and contamination of water sources, particularly in rural areas. He stated, “Those involved in this are committing a grave injustice against us as God’s people. As we enter the New Legal Year, it is our responsibility to ensure that justice prevails to promote peace,” he said. Chief Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo, Diana Asonaba Dapaah, the Deputy Attorney General, and Mr Yaw Acheampong Boafo, President of the Ghana Bar Association, took turns reading the first, second, and third Bible readings. Prayers were offered for Ghana and the three branches of government. myjoyonline