Social Justice: Let’s commit to constitutional principles that promote inclusivity – Juaben MP

1. Francis Kwabena Berepong Owusu-Akyaw, the Member of Parliament for Juaben in the Ashanti region, has underscored the need for all citizens of Ghana to commit to legislative reforms that uphold the principles of the provisions of the 1992 constitution as the world observes the 2025 edition of Social Justice Day on February 20.
2. Addressing Parliament in a statement on the floor of the House on Thursday 20 February, the lawmaker urged the need for all to endeavour promote an inclusive society for all Ghanaians in a manner that encourages equality before the laws of the land as a moral duty.
3. “Mr. Speaker as we observe Social Justice Day, let us recommit ourselves to policies and legislative reforms that uphold these constitutional principles. We must strengthen equality before the law in all state actions, promote inclusive economic growth, and ensure that no Ghanaian is left behind.
4. Social justice is not just a legal obligation but a moral duty that defines the character of our dear nation”, the MP stated.
5. The Juaben MP said justice and fairness should be the foundation for peace, stability and development of the country at all times.
6. “Social justice is the foundation of national development, peace, and stability. It is about ensuring that every Ghanaian—regardless of gender, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, or physical ability—can enjoy the fundamental rights enshrined in our 1992 Constitution” Hon Owusu-Akyaw stated.
8. Read the full statement below:

STATEMENT ON WORLD SOCIAL JUSTICE DAY TO BE COMMEMORATED THIS DAY THE 20TH OF FEBRUARY 2025

1. Mr. Speaker and distinguished Members of the House, it is an honour to stand before you today on the occasion of World Social Justice Day, a day that reminds us of our duty to build a fair and just society where all citizens have equal opportunities, irrespective of their background.
2. Social justice is the foundation of national development, peace, and stability. It is about ensuring that every Ghanaian—regardless of gender, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, or physical ability—can enjoy the fundamental rights enshrined in our 1992 Constitution.
3. Mr. Speaker, permit me to recall the words spoken on the floor of this House by former President, His Excellency John Agyekum Kufuor, during his first State of the Nation.
   Address to Parliament.
4. Our esteemed former President stated: “If our plans to revive the economy are to have any chance of success, we must, at the same time, invest in our young people, and my government believes that education holds the key.
   Equal access to educational opportunities is, in the long run, the principal instrument for achieving social justice.
5. The present imbalance in volume and quality of the educational facilities available to urban as against the rural population is creating a social divide which our government will act decisively to reverse.”
   Mr. Speaker, these words were true 24 years ago, and they are even more relevant today.
6. Mr. Speaker, it is without a doubt that education remains a powerful tool for promoting social justice, and our Constitution guarantees this right under Article 25(1) of the 1992
   Constitution, which states that all persons shall have the right to equal educational opportunities.
7. The landmark case of Federation of Youth Association of Ghana (FEDYAG) v Public Universities of Ghana & Ors highlighted the need for public institutions to uphold fairness in admissions and access to education. The ruling
   reinforced that public education must be accessible to all, regardless of their social status.
8. Mr. Speaker beyond education, the Constitution of Ghana is also clear in its commitment to social justice with respect to guaranteeing human rights.
9. Specifically, Article 12 (1) of the 1992 Constitution provides that the ‘fundamental human rights and freedoms enshrined in Chapter 5 shall be respected and upheld by the Executive, Legislature, Judiciary and all other organs of government and its agencies and that, instructs every person in Ghana, whatever his race, place of origin, political opinion, colour, religion, creed or gender to be entitled to the fundamental human rights and freedoms of the individual but subject to respect for the rights and freedoms of others
10. and for the public interest.
11. Mr. Speaker, social justice also extends to economic rights and fair labour practices.
12. Article 24(1) of the 1992 Constitution guarantees the right to work under satisfactory, safe, and healthy conditions, while directing the state to take measures to ensure an economic system that provides equal opportunities for all.
13. Mr. Speaker, access to justice and due process is a cornerstone of social justice.
14. The Constitution under Article 19 and 296 guarantees the right to a fair trial and due process, ensuring that no one is deprived of justice due to their economic or social status.
15. Inthe case of Tsatsu Tsikata v. The Republic (2008) SCGLR 16, the Supreme Court reinforced the principles of fair trial and due process, reminding us that justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done.
16. Mr. Speaker as we observe Social Justice Day, let us recommit ourselves to policies and legislative reforms that uphold these constitutional principles.
17. We must strengthen equality before the law in all state actions, promote inclusive economic growth, and ensure that no Ghanaian is left behind.
18. Social justice is not just a legal obligation but a moral duty that defines the character of our dear nation.
19. Mr. Speaker May God bless Ghana, and may justice and fairness be the foundation of our development.
20. I am grateful for the opportunity Rt. Hon. Speaker.
    Hon. Francis Kwabena Berepong Owusu-Akyaw
    Member of Parliament for Juaben