Justice Barbara Ackah-Yensu, a High Court Judge, on Thursday urged the youth to desist from the “make it quick” syndrome, saying the key to success is rather hard work and dedication.
She said the sacrifice of some gallant men of history gave Ghana its independence and created opportunities for generations unborn.
“Fame and wealth is good but bear in mind that these when acquired through dubious means and at the expense of innocent lives only bring serious repercussions that do not only destroy one’s life but that of generations unborn,” she added.
Justice Ackah-Yensu gave the advice at the eight annual Chief Justice’s mentoring programme, on the theme: ‘Raising the next generation of selfless leaders in justice delivery.”
The programme, an initiative of the Chief Justice, brings together second cycle students from the 10 regions and offer them the opportunity to be exposed to the functions of the judiciary and the administration of justice.
Justice Ackah-Yensu said the programme is to explain the administration of justice and to stimulate the interest of the students in the legal profession.
She said, it is to instil values and good morals in the students to enable them become influential and reputable people in the society.
Justice Ackah-Yensu said the Chief Justice’s vision is to contribute to the development of the youth for them to become men and women of integrity, who would in the future lead the country selflessly to the desired level of development.
“To achieve this aim, the Judicial Service this year has collaborated with the United Nations Fund for Population Analysis to extend the scope of the programme to reach out to the poor and vulnerable girl child who due to harsh circumstances has been denied the opportunity to education and a better life”.
She said the programme this year saw the inclusion of 30 young migrant girls from selected markets in Accra who had completed senior high school.
It would create a platform for the girls to interact with other in-school children to change their paradigms regarding girls’ education and empowerment, she said.
Justice Ackah-Yensu said the participants would have the opportunity to witness proceedings in the court room, learn about happenings in the court room and what is expected from a witness when testifying, how to appear before the judge and the kind of language use when in court.
She expressed the hope that at the end of the programme, the children would be filled with new energy and the desire to be part of the next generation of selfless leaders not only in justice delivery but in other fields.
Dr Joyce Aryee, speaking on the theme said one of the great pillars to the development of every nation is the justice delivery system.
She said selflessness is a key quality of every good leader, saying selfless people empower and motivate others, create a culture of truth, make themselves accessible to others and are solution oriented.
She advised the students to be humble, committed, mentor others, help build communities, empower others and maintain values, which must be deeply embedded in them to be able to achieve their vision.
Justice Patricia Quansah, a Circuit Court Judge and Justice Kyei Baffour a High Court Judge both shared their experience and life stories with the students.
