The Anglican Bishop of Accra, Right Reverend Dr. Daniel Sylvanus Mensah Torto, has called on judges and magistrates to actively join the fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, instead of leaving it to the clergy, media and civil society organisations.
Delivering the sermon at the 68th Legal Year Church Service in Accra on Saturday, Bishop Torto challenged members of the judiciary to be vocal advocates for environmental protection, describing the illegal mining menace as a threat to Ghana’s survival.
The service was held on the theme: “Building the pillars of justice through leadership, innovation and technology.
“Our rivers are dying, our forests are being depleted and future generations will inherit poisoned lands if we do not act. Don’t leave this fight for the clergy, the media and CSOs alone.
“Be vocal in the fight. If other arms of government play politics with galamsey, the judiciary must make a difference,” he said.
The Bishop underscored that justice was the foundation of national stability and when it is shaken, the economy, education and security also crumble.
He reminded judges, lawyers and court officers that they are “guardians of the nation’s conscience,” urging them to uphold integrity, transparency and accountability in dispensing justice.
Bishop Torto also emphasised the importance of innovation and technology in modern judicial processes.
He said the judiciary must embrace digitisation and reform to make justice delivery more efficient and accessible.
“We cannot deliver justice with yesterday’s tools. Technology is not a luxury; it is the backbone of transparent justice,” he stressed.
Drawing inspiration from biblical texts such as Micah 6:8, Isaiah 1:17 and Amos 5:24, the Bishop reminded the congregation that justice and mercy are divine commands, not mere ideals.
He warned that corruption, inequality, and youth unemployment remain moral wounds that must be healed through fair leadership and righteous governance.
“If our laws do not protect the weak, our love is weak. Justice must roll down like waters and righteousness like a flowing stream. Let us build a just and fair society through leadership, innovation, and technology.”
The Acting Chief Justice, His Lordship Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, on his part charged members of the judiciary to ensure that Ghana’s courts remain bastions of fairness, impartiality, and accountability in the administration of justice.
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie expressed gratitude to God for His grace and protection throughout the past legal year and prayed for renewed strength and wisdom as the judiciary begins the 2025/2026 Legal Year.
“Ours is a country of laws, and collectively we are the essential tools in ensuring that it continues to remain so.
“The cause of justice, a fundamental ingredient of our Republic, is hinged on all of us doing our various jobs. That way, we make the promise of our nation evident in the lives of our people.”
He explained that the new legal year offers an opportunity for the judiciary to reflect on its mission and renew its commitment to upholding justice while embracing reforms that enhance efficiency and public trust.
He reaffirmed the judiciary’s theme for the year – “Building the Pillars of Justice Delivery through Leadership, Innovation and Technology” – as a guiding principle for modern judicial transformation.
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie stated that leadership in justice delivery extends beyond adjudicating cases; it encompasses moral courage, integrity and a commitment to reform.
“Judicial leadership is the moral compass that sets the tone for the administration of justice. Judges must model impartiality and humility, while court administrators and officers must provide guidance that inspires service and efficiency,” he noted.
On innovation, the Acting Chief Justice said the judiciary must find smarter ways to address persistent challenges such as heavy caseloads, case backlogs, and procedural delays.
He urged a culture of efficiency and openness, where court users “encounter not barriers but pathways.”
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie further underscored the crucial role of technology in the future of justice delivery, stressing that digital transformation is no longer optional.
“Virtual hearings, e-filing systems, electronic case management, and digital registries are no longer experiments – they are the new frontiers of justice,” he said.
While acknowledging the benefits of digitization, he cautioned against leaving behind citizens without access to technology, especially those in rural areas and the elderly.
He called for continuous training and capacity-building for judges, lawyers, and court staff to ensure that technology enhances, rather than hinders, access to justice.
The church service, which marked the official commencement of the 2025/2026 Legal Year, brought together members of the Bench, the Bar, and staff of the Judicial Service.
