By: Frederica Mensah
The Chief Justice (CJ), Paul Baffoe-Bonnie has inaugurated Justice Clubs in some selected Senior High schools in the Western and Central Regions. The move which forms part of the Chief Justice’s Mentoring programme that provides mentorship and impart knowledge on the law to students.
It seeks to encourage young people to show interest in the constitution and other statutes in other to ensure fidelity to the law and serve the country with integrity.
Swearing in officers of the 13 schools at Fijai in Sekondi in the Western Region, Justice Baffoe-Bonnie said the establishment of Justice Clubs in schools is an initiative of the Judicial Service which hinges on the conviction that the law is not only the preserve of lawyers and judges, rather a living guide for all and sundry.
He mentioned that, the establishment of the clubs in selected schools across the Greater Accra Region last year, where students demonstrated enthusiasm, curiosity, and commitment reaffirmed their belief that when young people are exposed early to the principles of justice, integrity, and accountability, they grow into adults who uphold and defend these values in every sphere of life, hence, replicating it in other regions.
He was hopeful that through the Clubs, students will not only learn about the justice system but will also live out its ideals in their schools, families, and communities.
He encouraged them to let the Justice Clubs become spaces for discussion, problem-solving, advocacy and community service.
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie tasked the newly-sworn in officers to lead with integrity and diligence and ensure that, their conduct and service inspire their peers to uphold honesty, fairness and discipline.
The Chairperson of the CJ’s Mentoring Programme, Justice Professor Olivia Anku Tsede stated that, the formation of the Justice Clubs is vital as it promotes social justice and advocacy within a school community. According to her, it also helps in developing socially conscious and critically thinking individuals. She stressed the country’s progress does not only hang on strong institutions but on informed citizens.
Justice Professor Tsede said the formation of the clubs will enable the students to make informed decisions to build a just and peaceful society. For his part, the Western Regional Minister, Joseph Nelson said the setup of the Justice Clubs is important as it will help raise responsible and justice orientated individuals.
Commending the Judicial Service for the initiative, the Regional Minister said it will equip the students to understand the legal systems and also appreciate the rule of law.
He added it will help strength the foundation of democracy.
