Judiciary vital to peaceful elections — Most Rev. Dr. Boafo

The Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church Ghana, Most Rev. Dr. Paul Kwabena Boafo has emphasized the judiciary’s critical role in guaranteeing peaceful elections, noting that justice fostered a stable political process by promoting accountability and transparency. 

He stressed that justice required equal voting rights for all qualified voters, regardless of social, economic, or ethnic background. 

Most Rev. Dr Boafo said these during a church service in Accra to usher in the 67th Legal Year by the Judiciary. 

The 67th Legal Year is on the theme “Building the Pillars of Justice Delivery through leadership, Innovation and Technology.”  

Most Rev. Dr. Boafo stated that a just electoral system included established legal frameworks for addressing grievances, with the judiciary playing a crucial role. 

He stressed that justice cannot exist in a vacuum; it required bold, ethical, and transformative leadership, saying, “You are the leaders, and it is you who would shape the system and policies.” 

“This year, let justice flow in our nation so we can build trust and demonstrate that we are men and women of bravery and consistency,” he said. 

Most Rev. Dr. Boafo reminded lawyers and judges that they served as the architects of fairness in government, business, and civil society. 

He urged them to create an environment where laws are not only “written” but also implemented with integrity, calling on them to be champions of equality. 

“Stand against systemic biases and empower the voiceless and those who have been marginalized. 

“Let integrity, equity, fairness, justice to be your yardstick. Let not money lead you but the ultimate should be to seek justice and fairness.  

“We must not allow justice to be a formality, available to those who can afford it. Our legal system could not be 100 per cent perfect but strive to be a beacon of hope for people regardless of their background, status, or wealth,” he stated.   

Most Rev. Dr. Boafo reminded the gathering that the law should not favor individuals simply because they possessed wealth, social status, or connections. 

“You must advocate for the law as a tool for empowerment, not oppression. Our legal approach should be guided not only by the letter of the law but also by the spirit of fairness, equity, and compassion,” he emphasized. 

He also urged lawyers and judges to continue to promote accountability and transparency in Ghana’s institutions, noting that democracy flourished when institutions were strong. 

“When we talk about strong institutions, we are not talking about the buildings, it is not the infrastructure, it is the people who make the institution.   

“If the people are corrupt, if the people are not fair in their dealings, if the people are not right with God, the systems and institutions would also be corrupt, “ he stressed.  

Most Rev. Dr. Boafo urged the gathering to commit themselves to being individuals of integrity who consistently uphold justice. 

“Pursue integrity with truth and unwavering commitment and strive for outcomes that are just for the people of this nation,” he stated. 

He reminded the judges that the cases presented to them have significant implications for those seeking justice. 

“Your decisions impact lives, shape society, and direct history…Your decision can throw a whole community or country into confusion.  

“That is where you need to know that the responsibility placed on you is weighty and you must work at it,” he stated. 

GNA