The Chief Justice of Ghana, Her Ladyship Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo, has introduced new measures under the 2024 Enhanced Chief Justice’s Mentoring Programme, aimed at promoting leadership, integrity, and service among the nation’s youth.
Speaking at the programme’s launch at the Ghana School of Law, themed “I Pledge Myself to the Service of Ghana,” Justice Torkornoo reaffirmed the Judiciary’s commitment to inspiring the next generation of leaders.
The event brought together Supreme Court justices, members of the Ghana Bar Association, educators, students, and members of the media.
Justice Torkornoo praised the foundation laid by her predecessors, particularly Justice Georgina Theodora Wood, who established the mentoring initiative in 2008. The programme seeks to bridge the gap between the Judiciary and the public while encouraging young Ghanaians to explore careers in law and public service.
“Through this programme, we aim to nurture a sense of responsibility and inspire the youth to contribute meaningfully to Ghana’s development,” she said.
The mentoring initiative is expected to continue serving as a platform for shaping future leaders and deepening public understanding of the Judiciary’s role in governance.
Justice Clubs and Moot Court Competition
This year’s programme introduced two major innovations: Justice Clubs and a Moot Court Competition.
Justice Clubs have been inaugurated in five Senior High Schools, including St. Mary’s SHS, Accra High School, and Chemu Senior High Technical School, as well as among market porters (Kayayei).
These clubs aim to deepen students’ understanding of legality, rights, and constitutional principles while fostering an ongoing culture of justice.
“We are committed to demystifying the Judiciary and fostering a culture of justice through interactive engagements in schools and communities,” Justice Torkornoo remarked, announcing plans to expand the initiative nationwide by 2025.
The moot court competition, another highlight, saw students from the Justice Clubs showcase their advocacy skills.
Accra High School emerged as the overall winner, with SOS Hermann Gmeiner International College and St. Mary’s SHS taking second and third place, respectively.
All participating schools received certificates, and the top three were awarded cash prizes.
The Chief Justice also personally awarded an additional cash prize to Accra High School.
Cultivating a Culture of Service
In her keynote address, Justice Torkornoo emphasized the importance of service to national development, noting, “A nation’s greatness is the sum of its citizens’ efforts.
Whether in science, engineering, or law, progress comes from projects that benefit the collective good.”
She encouraged young people to prioritize ethical values, integrity, and a commitment to lawful behavior, urging them to see their efforts as vital to building a prosperous Ghana.
“This programme is designed to kindle and sustain in you a spirit of service to the nation, with integrity and selflessness,” Justice Torkornoo said, adding that the initiative aims to inspire students to contribute meaningfully to national development in any capacity.
Support from Key Stakeholders
Justice Torkornoo expressed gratitude to institutional partners such as the UNDP, UNFPA, Bank of Ghana, and Kasapreko Company Limited for their support.
She also applauded the dedication of mentors and educators, underscoring their role in shaping Ghana’s future leaders.
President of the Ghana Bar Association, Mrs. Efua Ghartey, inspired participants to see the legal profession as a tool for change.
“Whether as human rights lawyers defending the marginalized, corporate lawyers driving economic innovation, or legal aid lawyers ensuring justice for the underprivileged, your path can be one of service,” she said, urging the youth to view service as a daily commitment to making a difference.
The Journey to Excellence
Justice of the Court of Appeal, Eric Kyei Baffour, added a personal touch to the event by sharing his journey of overcoming academic struggles to become a renowned legal professional.
He advised students to value their time and avoid distractions such as social media, emphasizing the importance of discipline, integrity, and hard work.
The Enhanced Chief Justice’s Mentoring Programme has laid a strong foundation for nurturing Ghana’s future leaders, equipping them with knowledge, ethical principles, and a commitment to justice.
Through initiatives such as the Justice Clubs and moot court competitions, the Judiciary is inspiring a new generation to serve their nation with integrity and purpose.