Omanghana
Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie has expanded the Judicial Service of Ghana’s legal literacy campaign with the inauguration of Justice Clubs in 10 Senior High Schools (SHSs) across the Eastern Region.
The inauguration and swearing-in ceremony took place on Sunday, July 12, 2026, at Oyoko Methodist Senior High School, bringing together student leaders and representatives from all participating schools.
The initiative forms part of the Chief Justice’s Mentoring Program, which seeks to introduce students to basic legal principles and promote a deeper understanding of the country’s justice system among young people.
Building a Culture of Rule of Law Among Students
The Justice Club initiative is designed to help students appreciate that the law is not only relevant to judges, lawyers, and legal professionals, but also serves as a guide for every citizen in their daily lives.
Through the clubs, students are expected to gain knowledge about constitutional values, individual rights, responsibilities, and the importance of lawful conduct within their schools and communities.
The program focuses on three key areas:
Promoting the Rule of Law:
The clubs aim to expose students to fundamental legal and constitutional principles that can influence their decisions and behavior at school, at home, and in society.
Encouraging Civic Responsibility:
Students are being equipped with knowledge that promotes accountability, respect for human rights, and a stronger sense of national responsibility.
Supporting Peaceful Conflict Resolution:
Members of the clubs will receive guidance on resolving disagreements among peers through dialogue and non-violent approaches, helping to create more peaceful school environments.
Justice Clubs Expanding Across Ghana
Speaking at the event, Chief Justice Baffoe-Bonnie emphasized that legal knowledge should not be viewed as a privilege reserved for members of the legal profession.
He explained that understanding the law empowers citizens to make informed choices, protect their rights, and contribute meaningfully to national development.
The Justice Club project began as a pilot program in selected schools in the Greater Accra Region, where strong student interest and participation encouraged the Judicial Service to expand the initiative.
Following the success of the pilot phase, the program was extended to 13 schools across the Central and Western Regions before its introduction in the Eastern Region.
Strengthening Legal Education and Civic Awareness
The expansion of the Justice Clubs comes at a time of broader reforms within Ghana’s legal education system, including measures aimed at making legal training more accessible across the country.
The Judicial Service says the initiative complements these reforms by creating early awareness of legal principles among students, while encouraging young people to develop respect for justice, fairness, and democratic values.
The Service is expected to continue extending the program to more schools nationwide as part of efforts to build a legally informed and responsible citizenry.
Source: Omanghana
