Speaking truth to power is constitutional duty, not just moral courage — Supreme Court Judge

Justice of the Supreme Court of Ghana, Sir Justice Dennis Dominic Adjei, has described speaking truth to power as a constitutional responsibility embedded in Ghana’s democratic system rather than simply an act of moral courage.

He said the country’s future depended on building a society where those who wield power remained answerable to truth, justice and the people.

According to him, an accountable nation must protect individuals who expose wrongdoing while ensuring that concerns raised against those in authority receive lawful and reasoned responses.

Sir Justice Adjei, who is also a judge of the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights, made the remarks while delivering the inaugural Annual St. John the Baptist Memorial Lecture in Accra.

The lecture was convened by the Joint Board of the Supreme Subordinate Commandery and Ladies’ Auxiliary of the Knights of St. John International, Ghana, and attracted a high-level audience, including the Vice-President, Speaker of Parliament, superior court justices, religious and traditional leaders, and members of the diplomatic corps.

Speaking on the theme, “Speaking Truth to Power: Upholding Justice, Morality, and National Accountability,” he said criticism of people in authority should be based on facts and presented in a manner consistent with constitutional values.

“our constitutional response to that witness must be firm and civil.

“We should identify the wrong, establish its factual basis, explain the applicable standard and ask for a remedy. An allegation supported by records is stronger than an insult supported by applause. Yet civility must never become a device for suppressing unwelcome facts.

“Respect for office is compatible with searching criticism of its exercise; the discomfort of the officeholder does not determine the legitimacy of the criticism.”

Sir Justice Adjei drew lessons from the biblical account of St. John the Baptist in the Gospel of Mark, particularly his decision to challenge the conduct of Herod despite the ruler’s authority to imprison him.

He said the death of John the Baptist demonstrated the consequences of allowing authority to protect its pride at the expense of conscience.

“John’s message also reached beyond the palace. In Luke, he called upon people with food and clothing to share; upon tax collectors to collect only what was prescribed; and upon soldiers to refrain from extortion and false accusation. His teaching connected personal repentance to the treatment of neighbours and the responsible use of office,” Sir Justice Adjei stated.

He said the lesson remained relevant to modern governance because speaking against wrongdoing should not be restricted to political leaders or public institutions but should form part of a broader culture of accountability.

The memorial lecture was instituted to promote national reflection on conscience, law and accountability, while providing a platform for constitutional dialogue on justice, morality and responsible exercise of power.