The Chief Justice, Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, has made a clarion call for action against the unlawful activities degrading Ghana’s environment, particularly illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, and sand winning.
Delivering the keynote address at the 2024 Eve International Foundation Women’s Conference, the Chief Justice urged influential women leaders and citizens alike to demand the cessation of impunity in land and environmental management practices.
Addressing an audience filled with women leaders and change-makers, Justice Torkornoo expressed deep concern about the ongoing environmental destruction, lamenting how such activities were being conducted “in a disorderly fashion and with impunity against the proper operation of law and order.”
“We are all groaning, we are all afraid, we are all pointing fingers, and we all need answers. How can the Eve Women’s Conference hear our country and help steer us in the right direction?” she asked.
Her Ladyship emphasised that Ghana, a nation that has historically overcome several adversities, such as slavery, colonialism, military oppression, and corrupt practices, is now facing new challenges in the form of illegal land disposition and environmental degradation.
In a nod to Ghana’s past, she recalled the notorious practice of kalabuley, symbolising the country’s enduring battle with injustice and social upheaval.
As an advocate for sustainable development and the rule of law, Chief Justice Torkornoo highlighted the critical importance of land and environmental management, particularly in securing a future where women can thrive economically, socially, and healthily.
“Present here are many influential women, I beg you all to join me in demanding from our nation that we stop the indiscriminate impunity and the disposition of lands through unlawful and illegal activity, and confusion in lands management and turn our faces towards considerations of what is good for the vulnerable in our society.
“What is just for the orderly development of communities and what can bring peace and prosperity. This is the environment in which women thrive best, and we cannot train women without assuring them of economic prosperity and a sustainable environment in which they will be healthy and most importantly a nation where there is respect for the rule of law,” she said.
The Chief Justice further highlighted the significance of mentoring the younger generation to foster respect for the rule of law and legality.
“If we close our ranks and support each other, we can build a society that is a just society for women,” she said.
The Eve International Foundation Women’s Conference, an annual event focused on empowering women and driving social change, brought together women leaders, policymakers.
This year’s conference was themed, “Gender Equality: Transforming Women’s Leadership for National Development and Beyond.”
Addressing participants, the Board Chair of the Foundation, Sheila Minka-Premo lauded the passage of the landmark Gender Equity Act 2024, describing it as a “great win” in the pursuit of gender equality in Ghana.
She commended the Affirmative Action Bill Coalition for its relentless advocacy that led to the historic legislative achievement.
“I want to especially celebrate the Affirmative Action Bill Coalition which the Eve International Foundation is a member for leading advocacy and the passage of the Gender Equity Act 2024 is very significant for all of us here.
“The passage of this Act is a great win and key in our effort to attain Gender Equality in Ghana,” she said.
Reflecting on the two-year journey of the Foundation, Madam Minka-Premo praised the collective efforts of stakeholders that contributed to this milestone.
She further called on all and sundry to actively advocate for and support the implementation of the Act, stressing that this is key to achieving meaningful progress in the gender equality movement
“I want to commend the Foundation for working with the Coalition to achieve this feat. I will also use this platform to urge all of us to advocate and support its implementation,” she said.
Source: Ama Cromwell
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