Sir Justice Dennis Dominic Adjei has cautioned that power is transient and must be exercised within its legal limits, stressing that accountability is essential to preventing its abuse and ensuring that those who hold public office remain answerable for their actions.
He made the remarks while delivering the keynote address at the inaugural St. John the Baptist Memorial Lecture, organised by the Supreme Subordinate Commandery of the Knights of St. John International and Ladies’ Auxiliary (KSJI), Ghana.
The lecture, held on October 13, 2026, at Christ the King Parish Hall in Cantonments, Accra, was on the theme “Speaking Truth to Power: Upholding Justice, Morality & National Accountability.”
In his address, Sir Justice Adjei, a Justice of the Supreme Court of Ghana and Judge of the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights, emphasised that although power is necessary for maintaining social order, it must be exercised within the boundaries of the law.
He explained that the limitations placed on authority serve not only to hold officeholders accountable but also to protect them from prosecution for violations after their tenure expires.
“Power is made up of rights and limitations; the limitations exist to hold governors accountable and also to protect them from prosecution for violations after their tenure expires,” he stated.
Sir Justice Adjei warned that corruption begins when leaders lose sight of the temporary nature of their positions, whether in government, traditional leadership or religious institutions.
“The beginning of corruption is the moment a leader thinks his office, his stool, his pulpit is permanent. We must speak the truth to hold our leaders accountable, but we should not lose sight of the fact that we are also accountable and require self-introspection,” he said.
He further cautioned that authority must never be used to oppress citizens who raise legitimate concerns about injustice and wrongdoing.
According to him, speaking truth to power requires evidence and courage from those who raise concerns, a fair hearing from those being challenged, and institutions capable of turning justified criticism into corrective action.
Sir Justice Adjei also drew lessons from the example of St. John the Baptist, whose confrontation with Herod over his conduct demonstrated the courage required to uphold moral principles, even in the face of personal consequences.
He noted that the saint’s witness remained relevant to contemporary public life, challenging individuals and institutions to place truth, justice and conscience above personal interest.
The Supreme Court Justice called on citizens, civil society organisations and moral leaders to engage political authority constructively, reduce partisan acrimony and promote issue-based debate in Ghana’s governance discourse.
He also urged individuals to recognise that accountability is a shared responsibility, emphasising that those who demand integrity from leaders must equally be willing to examine their own conduct.
The lecture was chaired by the Second Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Andrews Asiamah Amoako, who represented the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin.
The event brought together leaders and members of KSJI from Ghana, Nigeria, Liberia and Togo, representatives of the Knights and Ladies of Marshall, members of the Islamic community, officers of the Ghana Armed Forces, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Accra, Most Rev. John Bonaventure Kwofie, the Auxiliary Bishop of Accra, Most Rev. Anthony Narh Asare, and a representative of the Ga Mantse.
The public lecture was instituted in honour of St. John the Baptist, patron saint of KSJI, to promote truth, justice and accountability in public life.
By Celestine Edem Gbologah//Newswatchgh.com
