Ghana’s Chief Justice, His Lordship Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, has said the country’s greatest challenge extends beyond the legal system, stressing that the nation’s development depends on restoring moral values and integrity.
According to him, while the courts are mandated to interpret the law and punish wrongdoing, they cannot compel citizens to live morally upright lives.
Speaking at the opening session of the 2026 National Development Conference at the Pentecost Convention Centre, the Chief Justice said national transformation requires a collective commitment to ethical living.
“The problem confronting Ghana is not only legal; it is moral,” he stated.
His Lordship Justice Baffoe-Bonnie explained that although the judiciary plays a critical role in upholding justice and the rule of law, lasting national transformation cannot be achieved through legal enforcement alone.
He noted that the responsibility of shaping values and building moral character rests largely with families, religious institutions and society.
“The courts can determine what is right and punish wrongdoing, but no court can compel moral values,” he observed.
The Chief Justice, therefore, highlighted the indispensable role of the Church in nurturing integrity, honesty, and responsible citizenship.
He said national transformation begins when ordinary citizens choose to make integrity a non-negotiable value in their daily lives.
His Lordship Justice Baffoe-Bonnie also commended The Church of Pentecost for consistently contributing to national development through its social interventions and moral leadership.
He said the Church had earned the moral authority to convene a conference dedicated to moral vision and national development.
The National Development Conference has brought together political, judicial, traditional and religious leaders to deliberate on how ethical leadership can accelerate Ghana’s development.
PENT NEWS.
