Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie has inaugurated Justice Clubs in 10 Senior High Schools in the Eastern Region to promote legal literacy, leadership and respect for the rule of law among students.
Executives of the clubs were sworn into office to spearhead legal and civic education among students.
The initiative forms part of efforts by the Judicial Service to deepen legal literacy, civic responsibility and respect for the rule of law among young people.
The inauguration and swearing-in ceremony was held at Oyoko Methodist Senior High School and brought together representatives of the various participating schools.
In an address, the Chief Justice said the Justice Club initiative was designed to expose students to the principles of justice and the rule of law to guide their conduct in school, at home and within their communities.
He explained that the programme was founded on the belief that the law belonged to everyone and would help students appreciate the values of fairness, equality, accountability and the protection of vulnerable persons.
“Through these Justice Clubs, students will gain a deeper appreciation of fairness, equality, accountability and the protection of the vulnerable,” he said.
Chief Justice Baffoe-Bonnie commended the Ghana Education Service, the Judicial Service and other partners for supporting efforts to strengthen civic and legal education among the youth.
He urged the newly elected executives to demonstrate integrity, humility and commitment in the discharge of their responsibilities.
“Leadership is not about authority; it is about service and positive influence,” he stated.
The participating schools included Pope John Senior High School and Minor Seminary, New Juaben Senior High School, Koforidua Secondary Technical School, and Akosombo International School.
Others were Oyoko Methodist Senior High School, Ofori Panin Senior High School, Kibi Senior High School, Abuakwa State College, Aburi Girls’ Senior High School and St Rose’s Senior High School.
The executives, who hold the positions of President, Vice President, Secretary, Organising Secretary and Treasurer, were presented with badges of leadership.
Addressing the students, Justice Professor Olivia Anku-Tsede, Chairperson of the Chief Justice Mentoring Programme, encouraged them to embrace the opportunity to learn about the law irrespective of their academic disciplines.
“Whether you study General Arts, Business, Science, Home Economics, Visual Arts, Agriculture or any technical subject, understanding the basic principles of law will help you think critically, respect others, defend what is right and make decisions that will not harm your future,” she said.
Mr Musah Ahmed, the Judicial Secretary, said the Justice Club initiative was first piloted in selected Senior High Schools in the Greater Accra Region in 2024.
He noted that its positive outcomes informed the expansion of the programme to schools in other regions.
He said mentors drawn from the Bench and the Bar would support students to deepen their understanding of the law, strengthen leadership skills and appreciate that justice should be reflected in everyday conduct.
He expressed optimism that the initiative would nurture responsible and law-abiding citizens committed to promoting justice and the rule of law in their communities.
