The Chief Justice of Ghana, Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo, has officially sworn into office the newly elected executive members of the Justice Club of the "Orange Girls Network," a support group for female head porters, also known locally as "Kayayei." The ceremony, held last Tuesday in Accra, is seen as a pivotal step towards empowering these young women through enhanced legal education and leadership opportunities.
The new executive members are:
- Asani Abi - President
- Adam Barikisu - Vice-President
- Sennye Priscilla - Secretary
- Salifu Rita - Vice Secretary
- Mumuni Jennifer - Organiser and Secretary
- Zakaria Ubeida - Treasurer
Empowerment Through Legal Knowledge
The Justice Club of the "Orange Girls Network" is committed to addressing the injustices faced by Kayayei, especially in the busy markets of Accra. The Club draws its name from the vibrant color orange, symbolizing energy and positivity. Supported by the Judicial Service of Ghana and the United Nations Populations Fund (UNFPA), this initiative aims to equip head porters, who have migrated from rural areas to Accra seeking better opportunities, with knowledge on human rights and legal-related issues.
A Legacy of Mentorship
This initiative forms part of the annual Chief Justice's Mentoring Programme, which was established six years ago by former Chief Justice Justice Georgina T. Wood. Initially a one-day program to expose students to the court system and spark their interest in the legal profession, it has since expanded to include both male and female students and other societal sectors. Justice Torkornoo has enhanced the programme to ensure sustained development for targeted groups.
Chief Justice’s Encouragement
During the ceremony, Chief Justice Torkornoo encouraged the girls to seize every opportunity to rise and contribute meaningfully to society. She emphasized the unique value of each individual, stating, “You are indeed the best, because there is only one of you. There is no photocopy of you. You are unique."
Acknowledging Contributions and Urging Ownership
Justice Torkornoo expressed her gratitude to her predecessor, Justice Georgina Theodora Wood, for her pioneering mentoring efforts and highlighted the ongoing legacy that continues to inspire young women nationwide. She urged members of the Justice Club and the Orange Girls Network to take ownership of their lives, emphasizing the importance of education in shaping perspectives and fostering critical thinking.
Continued Commitment to Empowerment
The Chairperson of the CJ Mentoring Programme, Professor Justice Olivia Anku Tsede, Justice of the Court of Appeal, stated that six schools in the Greater Accra Region and the Orange Girls Network were selected as pilot sites for forming Justice Clubs. She noted that since 2015, the UNFPA had collaborated with the Judicial Service to organize mentoring programs for head porters, inspiring some to pursue legal professions, with two girls currently enrolled at the University of Ghana and the Accra Technical University.
Collaboration and Appreciation
UNFPA Programmes Analyst Faisal Bawa, on behalf of the country representative, emphasized the importance of inclusivity in empowering young girls. "By extending this opportunity to our young girls, we are not only offering them a chance to gain legal justice but also to ignite their passion for career development and inspire them to become responsible citizens,” he said.
The newly elected President of the club, Asani Abi, expressed appreciation for the initiative, stating it would inspire members to excel academically and understand their rights. "Our goal is to ensure that we (Kayayei) understand our rights and feel empowered to stand up against injustice. Together, we will work towards creating a safer and fairer environment for all head porters," Ms. Abi said.
Conclusion
The Chief Justice congratulated the members of the Justice Club and the Orange Girls Network for their dedication to making a positive difference. This initiative represents a collaborative effort to empower young women, providing them with the tools and encouragement needed to achieve their full potential in justice and leadership roles.
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