The Anglican Bishop of the Accra Diocese, Rt. Rev. Dr. Daniel Sylvanus Mensah Torto, has called on Ghana's legal fraternity to prioritize righteousness, courage, and service in the administration of justice. He made this statement while preaching at a special church service to mark the opening of the 69th Legal Year in Accra on Saturday, October 3, 2026. The service's theme was "Strengthening the Foundations of Justice through Leadership, Innovation and Technology."
Bishop Torto emphasized that the justice system needs leaders whose decisions are guided not only by legal knowledge and professional competence but also by moral integrity and the fear of God. He cited Psalm 11:3, which states, "If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?" The Bishop noted that Ghana's justice system faces challenges, including delays in cases, protracted land disputes, and perceptions that justice is more accessible to the wealthy.
The Bishop identified leadership as the moral foundation of justice and urged judges and lawyers to demonstrate courage, humility, and a commitment to serving the public. He referenced Deuteronomy 16:18-20, which emphasizes the importance of administering justice without perversion or partiality. Bishop Torto cited biblical accounts of weak and corrupt leadership, such as Pontius Pilate and Jezebel's role in the case of Naboth.
Bishop Torto also called for humility among members of the Bench and Bar, citing Micah 6:8, which calls on people to "do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with your God." He emphasized that leadership in the justice system should not be about being served but about serving others, particularly vulnerable people who struggle to access justice.
The Bishop urged the legal fraternity to embrace innovation as an essential component of modern justice delivery. He referenced the biblical account of King Solomon's judgment involving two women claiming the same baby, demonstrating that wisdom and innovation can provide solutions even where conventional approaches appear inadequate.
Bishop Torto emphasized the importance of technology in strengthening the justice system, citing e-filing and transcription as examples of technological interventions that can improve justice delivery. However, he cautioned that technology should remain a tool for justice rather than becoming a substitute for human judgment and ethical responsibility.
The Bishop concluded with a call for the legal profession to rebuild the foundations of justice through leadership, innovation, and technology. He urged the fraternity to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God. The first, second, and third Bible readings during the service were delivered by the Chief Justice, Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie; the Minister for Justice and Attorney-General, Dr Dominic Akuritinga Ayine; and the National President of the Ghana Bar Association, Mrs Efua Ghartey, respectively.
Key points
- The Anglican Bishop of the Accra Diocese, Rt. Rev. Dr. Daniel Sylvanus Mensah Torto, has challenged Ghana's legal fraternity to prioritize righteousness, courage, and service in the administration of justice.
- Bishop Torto emphasized the importance of leadership, innovation, and technology in strengthening the foundations of justice.
- The Bishop urged the legal fraternity to combine technological advancement with strong ethical values to ensure that justice is served.
