Reflections And Observations From The Opening Of Legal Year’s Service 2026

“Our justice is only an extension of God’s justice. That means that one day, every judge will be judged, every lawyer will be cross- examined by the Righteous judge. So as we start this legal year, to the Bench, I say lead with courage and the fear of God, to the Bar, I say innovate for the people not just for your fees, to the Judicial Service, I say embrace technology but guard your integrity.” Rt Rev’d Dr. Daniel Sylvanus Mensah Torto1

Introduction

The 2026 legal vacation came with its controversies, and it attracted many commentaries including one from the Author2. The issuance of the warrant by the Honourable Chief Justice to some special courts to conduct criminal trials3, the position of some lawyers who threatened not to appear before the vacation courts in honour of the time-tested tradition4, those who made a U-turn to appear5 etc. A last the legal vacation ended, giving way to the opening of the legal year.

The Legal year begins after the 30th of September every year6. It is after the legal year service that the Superior Courts resume regular sittings. The legal year 2026 opened with the regular Legal Year Service on the 3rd October 2026 with a service at the Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity on the theme, “Strengthening the Foundations of Justice through Leadership, Innovation and Technology”. The legal year service, which is organized by the judiciary and the Bar marks the commencement of the legal year and was usually held the Saturday after new lawyers are called to the Bar. In recent times, there seems to be a departure, and the service is not usually held after the call to the bar, hence new lawyers do not get the feel and import of that service. In previous years, the service was held a day after the call to the bar, so new lawyers attend the service as well. As is the case, it is attended by all stakeholders in the justice delivery service, their Lordships, members of the bar, judicial service staff among others.

The legal year service is an important feature on the calendar of the legal year. The service is a full service with scripture readings usually read by the Honourable Chief Justice, the Honourable Attorney General and the President of the Ghana Bar Association and a preacher is nominated to deliver a brief homily on the theme for the service.

The Author in this very terse piece elects to reflect on the legal year service 2026.

The service starts with the procession from the High Street, Accra as the Honourable Chief Justice enters, followed by other Judges and Lawyers. After the entrance of the Chief Justice, other judges and lawyers, the bishop or official celebrant who presides over the service also enters and the National Anthem is rendered and the purpose of gathering declared. This years’ service, the scripture readings were as follows, 1st Bible reading Deuteronomy 16:18-20 rendered by the Honourable Chief Justice His Lordship Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, the 2nd Bible reading from James 2:4-9 was read by the Honourable Learned Attorney General Dr. Dominic Akurutinga Ayine and the 3rd Bible reading read by the Learned President of the Ghana Bar Association Mrs. Efua Ghartey. The Apostle’s creed was recited, and prayers were offered for the Nation and the various Arms of Government.

The sermon for the 2026 legal year was rendered by His Lordship Rt. Rev’d Dr. Daniel Sylvanus Mensah Torto who is the Anglican Bishop of Accra. He delivered the sermon on the theme “Strengthening the Foundations of Justice through Leadership, Innovation and Technology”. One of the first statements in his sermon that got one’s attention was when he said, “We begin another legal year, not by opening a law book, but by opening the Bible because justice did not start in court, justice started in the heart of God”. It is apt the legal year starts with a service of this nature, in his view, to which the Author agrees, Justice did not begin with opening of a law book, but the word of God. This underscores the fact that that justice emanates from a Divine being, save that it is administered by man on earth.

Reflections on the theme

Referring to the questioned posed by the Psalmist in Psalm 11:3, “When the foundations are being destroyed, what can the righteous do.” Other versions of the Holy Bible pose the question differently thus, “If the foundation be destroyed, what can the righteous do”7. He underscored the relevance of the question to Ghana. He said our foundations are under pressure, delayed cases, land guards, mob justice, some people say justice is for the rich. So, in his view, the theme for the 2026 Legal Year service, “Strengthening the Foundations of Justice through Leadership, Innovation and Technology” for the 2026 is prophetic. He reminded all that a building is only strong as its foundation, so also is justice. God knows that we need these three pillars (Leadership, Innovation and Technology) to strengthen our justice system because justice is rooted in God.

Underscoring the importance and the relevance of these three pillars, he took each of them in turns thus.

Leadership

He said, “Leadership is a moral foundation. A leader who fears God, knows God and therefore abide in God”. Referring to the 1st reading as read by the Honourable Chief Justice, Deuteronomy 16:18-20, “You shall appoint judges and officers in all your gates, which the LORD your God gives you according to your tribes, and they shall judge the people with just judgment…….” Moses asked that judges be appointed to deliver justice and not pervert justice, they shall not show partiality. The Bishop reminded members that, “Every perversion of justice in the Bible trace to leadership failure. When Pilate knew Jesus was innocent but washed his hands to please the crowd, that was weak leadership. When Ahab wanted Nabal’s vineyard and Jezebel used the court to kill him, that was corrupt leadership. Ghana does not need more clever lawyers; we need righteous leaders in the justice system.”

On what is Righteous Leadership at the Bench and the Bar, he highlighted thus

1. Courageous Leadership – to say I will not go the way they are going, that is not to accept or exchange hands for justice to happen on the other side to give judgment for the powerful and the rich against the poor.
2. Humble Leadership: Referring to Prophet Micah 6:8 “…..the Lord requires of you to walk humbly with your God”. He reminded all thus, “the gown does not make you gods, justice need listening ears”
3. Servant Leadership – Leaders must be willing to serve and not to be served. He said that, “Leadership in the justice system is not to be served, but to serve the poor woman at Makola market, (marakata) malata market who cannot afford a lawyer, the remand prisoner who has been in prison for three years, four years, five years who doesn’t know his fate and is there years without trial, this is only a tip of it.” He said we need righteous leaders who can give us justice.

Innovation

Innovation is the courage to reform the justice system. Using the approach Solomon used to resolve the dispute between the two women, he indicated that Solomon did not adopt a DNA test. Emphasizing that King Solomon was the most innovative judge in the Bible. In I Kings 3:16 - 28, two women, one baby, no DNA test, no witness, he said bring me a sword, Solomon innovated to resolve the challenge and the right mother.

He said that innovation is not unspiritual, God is the heart of innovation he is the first innovator, he created. Strengthening foundation means we must have the courage to innovate in the following;

1. Case Management. He posed, “Why should a land case be in court for years? Justice delayed is justice denied. He remarked that we have innovated with Court Connected ADR, Plea Bargaining, Special Courts, however there is more to be done to strengthen the justice system.
2. Innovate in Mindset – From technical justice to substantial justice. Let us not allow a murderer to go free because a comer was missing in the presentation. The law was made for man not man for the law.
3. Innovate in Access- He said Justice must not only be done at the Supreme Court8. Justice must be felt at the Kaneshie Circuit Court, at the Savelugu Magistrate Court and at the Police Cells. He reminded their Lordships that the people are crying for innovation that makes justice faster, cheaper and kinder.

Technology

Technology, a new tool but not a new master. Daniel 12:4 “…..and knowledge shall increase.” We are in that day, knowledge has increased. Electronic filing (E-filing), Virtual Courts, Electronic Transcription, Case Tracking etc. He reminded that during the covid period, technology saved our justice system.

Technology according to the preacher can strengthen foundation because

1. It reduces corruption. When filing is online, there is less see me or meet me there.
2. It reduces delay – no more lost dockets
3. It increases transparency, people can track their cases.

He however warned that, “Technology is a tool, not a master. It is a servant, not a Saviour. AI can draft a writ, but AI cannot beef for justice. If you put technology on the foundation of corrupt leadership, we have only digitized corruption, faster injustice”

The Preacher said, “We must use technology with ethics. The gavel must be held by a human heart that fears God”. Referring to Psalm 89:14 “Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne. Mercy and truth go before Your face”. he said the thrown of God is full of righteousness and justice. Our justice is only an extension of God’s justice. That means that one day, every judge will be judged, every lawyer will be cross- examined by the righteous judge. So as we start this legal year, to the Bench I say lead with courage and the fear of God, to the Bar, I say innovate for the people, not just for your fees, to the Judicial Service, I say embrace technology but guard your integrity.” It is only when this is done that Ghanaians will believe again that when the foundations are shaken, the righteous have something to do and that is they can rebuild. He ended his sermon thus, “Let us resolve with the Prophet Micah saying, “We will act justly, love with mercy and walk humbly with our God.” Let justice flow like a river in Ghana. May the poor find refuge, the oppressed find defender, the nation find stability through justice. Let us go out and do likewise….”

Prayers were said for members of the Bench and the Bar who have responded to the call to practice in the heavenly courts above.

Reflections

1. As the service was ongoing, one could not but appreciate the import of the theme and its relevance to all stakeholders in the administration of justice both present and otherwise. There was a word for everyone. It is the hope that as the legal year begins, all practitioners, judges, judicial service staff will begin with these admonitions in mind and same will guide all in the pursuit of justice. In the pursuit of justice and advocacy for clients, the need for substantial justice must not be lost on both the bench and the bar. As much as possible technicalities must be avoided (technical justice) in pursuit of substantive justice. A litigant must not suffer justice merely because of a procedural challenge that can be remedied. The Courts have held in some cases that, technicalities should not be used to defeat the ends of justice. One must be guided by the indication of Lord Denning in the case of Harkness v Bell’s Asbestos & Engineering Ltd9 when in his characteristic fashion he said, “It can be asserted that it is not possible for an honest litigant in Her Majesty’s Supreme Court to be defeated by any mere technicality, any slip, and any mistaken step in his litigation.”
2. The primary consideration of lawyers should not be on fees and other benefits derived from provision of legal services. Lawyers must also give due consideration to service to humanity, to society, to the poor and downtrodden. The poor must not be denied justice because there are impecunious and cannot afford legal charges. Lawyers have been reminded to innovate for justice and not just for our fees. It is a call to lawyers to consider rendering service pro bono occasionally as the demands may be. The call for lawyers to provide services to the poor and needy was reinforced on 12th October 2026 at the launch of the 2026 Legal Aid Commission Week by several speakers.
3. When the gowns are worn, we take on a responsibility for which accounts will be rendered to a greater judge. The reminder that every judge will one day be judged, and every lawyer will be cross-examined. In the discharge of judicial and legal functions, the principles known to law and good conscience are what must be applied. The apparel we adorn must be a symbol of humility and service and not a symbol of pomposity and arrogance. After the close of court proceedings and close of business transactions, one must be able to answer the question whether one has done justice according to his or her clear conscience.
4. It was also a sight to behold seeing the bishop bring the Honourable Chief Justice, the President of the Ghana Bar Association and the Honourable Attorney-General together to share the dance floor. The president of the Law Society of Ghana joining them. It reflects the relationship between the bench and the bar, the fact that we may sometimes disagree on several issues but that is done respectfully, in good faith and all in the pursuit of common justice.
5. During the prayer session, prayers were said for all including the Nation, Judiciary and the Ghana Bar Association. No express mention was made of any other group of lawyers, save that the person who led that prayer prayed for unity within the ranks of the members of the bar. The Author foresees in future; the programme may make room for prayers to be said for the members of the other association of lawyers (Law Society of Ghana) and the picture of their President finding expression in the brochure of the service etc.
6. To fresh lawyers who have been called to the Bar this year, welcome to the bar. The bar is another community of reading men and women, to use the words of the learned Kwame Boafo Akuffo of Akropong Akuapem. The admonitions above although you hadn’t been called to the bar at the time (3rd October 2026), it applies mutatis mutandis. Work with integrity, avoid the rush to get rich quickly, bid your time, put in the industry, pursue justice in the courts and in transactions, advocates for clients mindful of the four-fold duties. Do not only concentrate on the fees or financial benefits from case. To those who may not readily have places to take pupilage, the Legal Aid Commission may provide an avenue to gain some experience in these early days of practice. There are people who need legal services but are unable to afford legal fees, justice must be taken to the doorstep of such people. This way, not only will you learn the law in action or in practice, but you could also touch lives, the impact of which you have no idea. May the bar be kind to you as you start your journey in practice.

Conclusion

The legal year starts, new lawyers have been enrolled, and the busy calendar has started. Lawyers are reminded in the pursuit of justice to be mindful of the four-fold duty. Their Lordships must be reminded that justice started with and from God. The justice being administered on earth is an extension of God’s justice for which accounts will be rendered. Justice must be administered in accordance with clear conscience and humility. May the Bench, the Bar, the Judicial Service do their work in a manner that strengthens the foundations of justice through quality

Leadership, positive Innovation and progressive Technology, because if the foundation is not strengthened and it is destroyed, there is nothing the righteous can do, so says the Psalmist. It is apt to reiterate that, “Every perversion of justice in the Bible trace to leadership failure. When Pilate knew Jesus was innocent but washed his hands to please the crowd, that was weak leadership. When Ahab wanted Nabal’s vineyard and Jezebel used the court to kill him, that was corrupt leadership. Ghana does not need more clever lawyers; we need righteous leaders in the justice system.”

May God bless and protect all in this 2026/2027 Legal year and beyond. God bless Ghana!

God bless the Bench!!
God bless the Bar!!!
God bless the Judicial Service!!!!