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The President of the Ghana Bar Association (GBA), Mr Anthony Forson Jnr, has called on actors in the political space to conduct their activities in a manner that will lend credibility to the country’s electoral process.

He said there was a tendency for every election to be characterised by tension, hence the need for politicians to contribute their quota in ensuring smooth and peaceful elections.

Mr Forson was speaking at the 38th anniversary and remembrance service for three High Court Judges who were murdered in1982.

He called on the public to spread calm and unity before and after the elections.

Remembrance Service

Jointly organized by the GBA and the Judicial Service of Ghana, the non-denominational service at the Accra Ridge Church was to remember Justices Fred Poku Sarkodie, Mrs Cecilia Koranteng-Addow and Kwadwo Agyei Agyepong, who was murdered at the Bundase Military Range in the Accra Plains.

Also abducted and murdered was Major (retd) Sam Acquah.

The solemn service was attended by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, some senior statesmen and legal practitioners, including the Chief Justice, Justice Kwasi Anin Yeboah, the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Ms Gloria Akuffo, and a member of the Council of State, Mr Sam Okudzeto.

Members of the GBA and the Judiciary have been attending the Martyrs Day remembrance service since its inception.

Significance
Mr Forson said there was a need to observe the day each year to live up to the expectations of the predecessors in the history of the matters of the rule of law, stating that “some of the people are too young to remember these matters, hence the service”.

“It is also to remind ourselves each day that we have to live up to the expectations of our forebears to stand up against oppression and rule of law,” he stated.

Sermon

The Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church, Most Rev. Dr Paul K. Boafo, who delivered the sermon, said the remembrance was also an avenue for public servants and the public to reaffirm their commitment to the rule of law.

According to him, justice and righteousness were core ingredients for national development, adding that “being righteous in God exalts a nation.”

Rev. Dr Boafo added that the judicial arm of government must be seen as the institution leading the charge of upholding the rule of law.

“As we go out there to embark on our campaigns, let us avoid the politics of insults and deceit, personal attacks and that is where we will be calling for justice and righteousness to grow in our society,” he stated.