Accra: The Right Reverend Dr. Daniel Sylvanus Mensah Torto, Anglican Bishop of Accra, has made an impassioned appeal to members of the Judiciary, urging them to leverage their symbolic attire-gowns, wigs, and gavels-to safeguard the nation and uphold the integrity of God’s creation. Addressing a congregation during a special church service marking the commencement of the 68th Legal Year at the Cathedral Church of the Most Holy Trinity in Accra, Rt. Rev. Dr. Torto emphasized the Judiciary’s pivotal role in protecting the environment and maintaining justice.
According to Ghana News Agency, the event, themed ‘Building the Pillars of Justice through Leadership, Innovation and Technology,’ witnessed the presence of notable figures including Acting Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, Justice Srem-Sai, Deputy Attorney-General Mrs. Efua Ghartey, and the President of the Ghana Bar Association. Judges, judicial staff, and members of the clergy also attended the service. In his address, Bishop Torto urged the Judiciary to be vocal against environmental destruction, particularly illegal mining activities, and to lead the fight where other government arms may falter.
The Bishop asserted that the courts, enforcement agencies, and leaders must defend the environment with fairness, adding that the cry for justice from creation must not be ignored. He warned that justice is the foundation of every nation, and its erosion could lead to the collapse of critical sectors such as the economy, education, and security. Rt. Rev. Dr. Torto further emphasized that effective leadership within the Judiciary is essential for maintaining public trust and ensuring unbiased justice.
Stressing the importance of leadership, Bishop Torto described it as the cornerstone of a robust justice system, noting that true leadership involves responsibility rather than titles. He called for leaders who inspire and serve, rather than exploit and dismantle, urging them to prioritize truth and justice over personal gain.
Addressing the integration of innovation and technology within the Judiciary, Rt. Rev. Dr. Torto advocated for embracing new approaches to enhance judicial efficiency. He highlighted the benefits of adopting Alternative Dispute Resolution mechanisms, simplifying procedural rules, and incorporating digital transformations to reduce case backlogs and improve access to justice. The Bishop underscored that technology is not a luxury but a necessity for transparent justice, advocating for a paperless court system to prevent corruption and ensure efficiency.
In his concluding remarks, Rt. Rev. Dr. Torto called on the Judiciary to uphold its non-political stance and adhere to the rule of law with integrity. He urged the Judicial Service to continue its digitalization efforts, ensuring that technology is guided by moral conviction. The Bishop also emphasized the need to address environmental degradation and youth empowerment, warning against the consequences of inaction and highlighting the vital role of justice in securing the nation’s future.