Promoting Civic & Legal Literacy among the Youth: JSG Extends Justice Clubs to Central and Western Regions

Promoting Civic & Legal Literacy among the Youth: JSG Extends Justice Clubs to Central and Western Regions

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The Judicial Service of Ghana, has extended its mentoring initiative to selected Senior High Schools in the Central and Western Regions, with the inauguration of Justice Clubs and swearing-in of Officers of the Clubs at the Assembly Hall of Fijai Senior High School in the Western Region.

The Justice Clubs are student-led organisations that promote social justice and advocacy within the school community, where students receive mentoring and guidance from members of the Bench and Bar. It also provides a platform to address social issues and promote a culture of inclusivity and respect, whiles preparing students for civic life after school.

The selected schools in the Central Region are Ghana National College, Mfantsipim School, Wesley Girls Senior High School, Edinaman Senior High School, Mfantsiman Girls Senior High School, Mankessim Senior High School and Methodist Senior High School, Saltpond. Those from the Western Region are Djabene Senior High Technical School, Archbishop Porter Girls Senior High School, Fijai Senior High School, Takoradi Senior High School, Sankor Senior High School and Methodist Senior High School, Takoradi.

Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie

The Chief Justice, Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, who administered the Oath of Office to the elected Officers, advised them in his congratulatory remarks to aspire to greatness, drawing from his humble beginnings at his place of birth – Goaso - and in a polygynous family setting. “Where you are coming from is not as important as where you want to get to. Don’t allow where you are coming from to define you, always remember that there is a chance if you put your shoulder to the wheel”, he said.

Justice Baffoe-Bonnie thus urged the newly sworn-in Officers to use the clubs for discussion, problem-solving, advocacy and community service, whiles imploring them to lead and inspire their peers to uphold honesty, fairness and discipline.

“Let me remind our young officers and members that justice begins with the choices we make each day – how we treat others, how we speak, how we lead and how we respond to what is right or wrong. If we each commit to doing what is right, then the rule of law will not merely be a subject we study, but a way of life we live”, he remarked.

Hon. Joseph Nelson

The Western Regional Minister and Special Guest of Honour, Hon. Joseph Nelson, commended the Service for the initiative owning to the Clubs “equipping students with the knowledge and confidence to understand the justice system, appreciate the rule of law and contribute meaningfully to a peaceful and orderly society”.

“By bringing this programme to our schools, you are not only shaping minds but strengthening the foundations of our democracy. The establishment of Justice Clubs in our senior high schools could not have come at a more critical time as we continue to strive for peace, accountability and civil responsibility as a country”, he noted. `

Her Ladyship Prof. Olivia Anku-Tsede

For her part, the Chairperson of the Mentoring Committee and Justice of the Court of Appeal, Her Ladyship Prof. Olivia Anku-Tsede, indicated that the event “marked an important milestone in the Clubs’ journey” due to the conviction that the Clubs would “develop socially-conscious, empathetic and critically-thinking individuals”.

She once again emphasized the motivation of the Service in expanding the mentoring initiative beyond Accra. “By establishing these clubs, we are creating spaces where young people can learn about the Constitution, understand their rights and responsibilities and develop leadership skills needed to build a just and peaceful society”, she said, whiles adding that the country’s progress depended not only on strong institutions but also on informed citizens.

Mr. Ahmed Musah (Esq.)

Taking his turn, the Judicial Secretary, Mr. Ahmed Musah (Esq.) encouraged the Executives to strive to “lead with integrity, fairness and respect” as their leadership will shape the success and impact of the Clubs in future.

Nana Obrempong Hima Dekyi XII

Nana Obrempong Hima Dekyi XII, Paramount Chief of Upper Dixcove, added his voice to laud the initiative. “Our ancestors taught us that a community without fairness is a community without harmony. Therefore seeing our young people organize themselves around the principles of justice gives me hope and assures us that the next generation is being prepared to uphold the values that have guided our society from time immemorial”, he said.

He charged the elected executives to “stand firm for what is right even in difficult situations” and commended the teachers and patrons for their support in shaping future generations.

Ms. Elsie Hamilton

The Regional Director of Education for the Western Region, Mr. Emmanuel Essuman, who was represented by Ms. Elsie Hamilton, encouraged the officers to be “the bridge between enforcing standards and preserving dignity”. “As officers of this club, your mandate is clear – promote justice, resolve peer conflict peacefully, encourage peer accountability and uphold human rights within your school communities”, he admonished.

The event was attended by some Justices of the Superior Courts and Magistrates from the Central and Western Regions, members of the Bar, chiefs, regional directors of education, heads of institutions and teachers and staff from the selected schools.