For the first time in the history of Ghana, a group of vulnerable and underprivileged young girls were ushered into the Chief Justice’s court, a place which is mainly reserved for very serious national legal cases. This happened when a group of head porters popularly called kayayei, in the local language of Accra, numbering thirty, participated in the Annual Lady Chief Justice Mentoring Programme at the Supreme Court Building in Accra. The porters, who gained the designation “the Orange Girls” at the event because they donned UNFPA orange branded T-shirts, were sponsored by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). The “orange girls” joined students from Senior High Schools in the country to interact with individuals in the legal profession in a programme that was designed to stimulate their interest in judicial practice.
Speaking to the participants on the theme, “Raising the Next Generation of Selfless Leaders in Justice Delivery”, Chief Justice Georgina Theodora Wood entreated the young people to be law- abiding citizens and also use the event as an opportunity to develop the ambitions to learn more, develop themselves and become responsible people. The Lady Chief Justice who was very moved by the courage of the porters urged the “Orange Girls” to harness their potential and not give up on their dreams. She said their current plight might look distressing but with willpower, they surely will overcome someday.
Explaining her “4Ps” philosophy of Prayer, Purpose, Passion and Perseverance the UNFPA Deputy Representative Ms. Dennia Gayle, emphasized that these should be the hallmark of every young person. She said as young people, they need to pray and in that prayer, ask for their purpose. According to her, once you are clear on the purpose, you have to be passionate and persevere till your plan or purpose is achieved. Ms. Gayle used the opportunity to urge all young people both in and out of school to hold firmly to their passion and persevere even in the midst of their current circumstances as this will make a difference in society. The Deputy Representative concluded her remarks by stressing that UNFPA’s interest in the event is because the Fund believes that every young person both in and out of school has a potential and when given the opportunity, exposure and guidance, that potential can be realized.
Sharing his experience to inspire the young people, Justice Kyei Baffour, a legal practitioner said at age 11, he could hardly read or write as he was brought up by his grandmother single handedly in the countryside. He recalled how he would run to the circuit court which was not far from where he lived to hear court proceedings and it was this that motivated him and stimulated his desire to become a legal practitioner one day. It was one of such visits that also landed him in the grips of the police but with determination, he has been able to make it from the cell to the bench.
The Guest Speaker, Rev. Dr. Joyce Aryee conveyed that she was very glad to be entering the CJs Court for the first time although she has been a public figure in Ghana for a long time. She told the young people present at the ceremony to count themselves blessed. She said the justice delivery system in every society is one of its greatest pillars which need to be complemented with good leadership. Dr. Aryee encouraged the young people to study hard, be content with what they have and maintain good values.
Following the welcome statements filed with well wishes and advice to a room full of young people, the mentees joined the various courts in session to have a practical feel of what goes on with both the bench and the bar. Some of the courts included the Human Rights Court, Domestic Violence Court, the Family Tribunal, the Commercial Court, and the Land Court. Other speakers in the justice administration fraternity joined the event at an open forum to answer the lingering questions on the minds of the students and the Kayayei. The legal lords and ladies took the young people through matters regarding the legal profession to help them better understand how the judiciary operates and demystify the myths surrounding the justice delivery system.
The porters were full of gratitude to UNFPA for giving them such an opportunity. They pledged to work hard once given the second chance to continue with their formal education. One of the most popular radio stations in Ghana, Joy FM, over several days kept playing back the wishes of the Orange Girls to ensure that many members of the general public heard their wish through their medium.
