Chief Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo has officially inducted 777 new lawyers into the legal profession, charging them to use their knowledge to contribute to social and national development. Speaking at the ceremony, the Chief Justice emphasized the vital role lawyers play in shaping society and urged the newly admitted lawyers to steer clear of actions that could harm the nation.
“Lawyers must not be part of activities that destroy the national economy, whether it is the political economy, the environmental economy, or the social economy,” she stated.
She further encouraged them to use their expertise in law to strengthen the country, stressing that the legal profession should rally around knowledge, doctrines, and values to support the growth and development of the nation.
Lawyers as pillars in high and low tides
Chief Justice Torkornoo reminded the new lawyers that they had a responsibility to shape the country’s future, whether the nation was going through prosperous or challenging times.
“In low tide, it’s lawyers who speak up to shape the new form of the nation. In all of this, lawyers cannot be part of conversations that destroy the nation or break it up,” she said, encouraging them to be leaders in their communities with a commitment to lifelong learning.
A call to uphold integrity and innovation
The Chief Justice also urged the lawyers to be good citizens, actively participating in nation-building efforts and ensuring that their knowledge and skills served the greater good of society. “As you leave here with your certificates, you are supposed to use these skills, knowledge, and values given in law school to serve our communities.”
She highlighted the critical role law plays in providing structure for societal progress, noting that lawyers must lead the charge in fighting against wrongdoing.
She also addressed the evolving landscape of virtual reality, digital technology, and artificial intelligence, advising the lawyers to remain adaptable and stay abreast of new developments.
Embrace technology and continuous learning
The Chief Justice noted the increasing influence of the digital world on various aspects of life, including entertainment, trade, and communication, and how these innovations had brought new challenges like fake news and misinformation.
“With all these, we need to be keenly conscious of the fact that human conduct and innovation will never wait for the law.
It is law that always has to catch up with human innovation and creativity,” she said, calling on the new lawyers to embrace technology and commit to continuous education.
Chief Justice Torkornoo congratulated the new lawyers on their achievement, praising them for demonstrating both competence and moral character.
She urged them to uphold the values of their profession and strive to contribute positively to the development of the country.
