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Female judges key to eradication of negative cultural practices – President
Chief Justice Gertrude Torkonoo
The President of the Republic Nana Addo Dankwah Akufo-Addo has pointed out the pivotal role that female judges play in eliminating undesirable cultural practices, particularly among women and girls that impede their development.
He said the experience of female judges places them in a prime position to lend distinct perspectives and strengths to the cause of Justice and equity.
The President was speaking at the opening of the 18th International Association of Women Judges (IAWJ) Conference in Accra on Monday.
The three-day conference aims to capitalise on previous successes and take advantage of the IAWJ’s unique position in bringing together judicial officers from around the world to discuss matters of mutual importance.
It is on the theme “Combating Negative Cultural Practices in Contemporary Times – The Role of Women Judges.”
President Akufo-Addo noted that having women at all levels of the judicial system across the continent not only increases respect for the judiciary but also fosters confidence in the justice delivery system.
He said the theme for the conference was a call to every member of the judicial system, particularly women judges, to “leverage our collective legal acumen to dismantle barriers to justice.”
The President noted that negative cultural practices were not just an affront to the victims but were “a blemish on our collective human conscience.”
“As judges and upholders of the law, you have the power to redefine norms and set precedents that protect the vulnerable and marginalised.
“In dealing with issues like gender-based violence, child marriage, widowhood rites and female genital mutilation – practices steeped in deep-rooted cultural norms – your voices and rulings can resonate deeply, driving societal transformation.
“It is imperative to acknowledge that the fight against these practices is not confined to the courtrooms. Education, awareness, and collaborative governance are critical. We must engage traditional leaders, educators, and communities to recalibrate mindsets and attitudes. It is in our schools, homes, and community gatherings where the foundational beliefs of our next generation are formed,” he said.
President Akufo-Addo urged female judges to uphold the ideals of fairness, equality, and justice in all their decisions to combat detrimental cultural traditions.
“Let them (judgments) be a beacon for those in the shadows of fear and oppression. Remember, each decision you make not only affects the individual in your courtroom but also sets a tone for what we, as a society, deem acceptable.
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Many SOEs have been used as mere instruments for personal wealth accumulation –Pres.Mahama
President John Dramani Mahama has expressed concern over the misuse of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) for personal financial gain by individuals in leadership positions.
Speaking during a meeting with Chief Executives of specified entities under the State Interest and Governance Authority (SIGA) on Thursday, March 13, the President directly attributed the dire state of SOEs to their leadership, accusing chief executives, management teams, and governing boards of prioritising personal enrichment over organisational efficiency.
He pointed to bloated budgets, unjustified allowances, and unnecessary expenditures as factors draining public funds while SOEs continue to rely on government bailouts.
“Many SOEs have been used as mere instruments for personal wealth accumulation by appointees. The chief executives, management, and boards of these enterprises are responsible for this situation. Some SOEs have become perennial loss-makers, draining public funds with bloated budgets, unjustified allowances, and unnecessary expenditures while relying on government bailouts as if entitled to them. Many of these entities are at their lowest point in the entire history of the Fourth Republic,” he said.
President Mahama further noted that many SOEs have been plagued by inefficiencies, corruption, and mismanagement, leading to consistent financial losses. He cited the 2023 State Ownership Report by the State Interests and Governance Authority (SIGA), which highlighted systemic inefficiencies and wasteful expenditures within these entities.
He therefore reaffirmed his commitment to reforming under-performing SOEs and ensuring they serve national interests.
He warned that loss-making SOEs will no longer be tolerated and will either be merged, privatised, or closed.
“I will assess you based on your performance. If you do not align with the pace of the reset agenda, you may be asked to step aside. If that adds to the horror movie, so be it,” he added.
Source: Myjoyonline.com
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Prophet Courage Heavens set to launch ‘Predestination’ book on March 23
Prophet Courage A. Heavens is set to launch the much-awaited book titled ‘Predestination’ on Sunday, March 23, 2025 at 5:00PM.
The launch, which is expected to impact lives, will take place at Crossgates Ministries, Flattop, off N1 Highway, opposite Angel Hauz.
The book is aimed at addressing the way people struggle to understand how free will and destiny align.
It is also aimed at providing clarity on God’s sovereignty and one’s place in His divine plan.
The various chapters of the book address various issues through scriptures and personal stories.
Committed to impacting society, part of the proceeds from the book will go into Courage Heavens Education Legacy (CHEL), an educational foundation transforming lives.
CHEL is dedicated to providing financial support and mentorship to brilliant but needy students, ensuring they have access to quality education and opportunities for a better future.
Prophet Courage Heavens is a prolific writer and previously authored Eli Eli Lama Sabachthani, a powerful book that encourages unwavering faith in times of trials.
In addition, he has written seven more prophetic and life-changing books that are yet to be published.
He is dedicated to raising the next generation for impactful ministry. As the leader of Crossgates Ministries, he nurtures believers in faith and purpose.
