The President of Ghana Bar Association (GBA), Anthony Forson, has averred that citizens should refrain from ‘worshipping’ those in authorities.
He explained that the citizens are the ones that voted to grant the governing-power to the officials highlighting that their salaries are paid from the taxes that citizens pay.
“And one thing that I should say without mincing words is that people worship people in power, we put them there, and that should stop. We pay them.”
Anthony Forson
Given his leadership role in the Bar Association, the President of GBA clarified that leaders should actually be the ones to serve the needs of the people and not the people worshipping them.
According to Mr. Forson, the actual way for citizens to ensure that leaders behave as servant is by constantly reminding them that they have come to serve and not just to be on top. He insisted that even during prayers, the citizens should ask God to make the authorities realize they occupy their respective positions because it’s incumbent upon them to serve.
“When you’re in power actually you are a servant. The bible says that the greatest amongst you should be the servant. It is because we think they are not servants but if every day we make them know that they are servants they will behave like servants. Even when we pray, we should pray that God will let them know that they are servants.”
Anthony Forson
“The little experience I’ve had in leading the Bar Association, is that you are serving. And maybe luckily, because we are not big it makes me think better.”
Anthony Forson
Amend the constitution to suit current needs
During a virtual interview, Mr. Anthony Forson addressed the calls from a section of the public to have the country’s constitution scrapped or amended to effect certain changes.
In respect of the public’s concern, the President of GBA opined that the constitution should be amended to suit the current needs of the people. However, he emphasized that the responsibility to effect that particular change lies in the hands of the citizens.
“As for the question of development, I believe it behoves on all of us to put every government on its toes; it’s all of us our duty. The President said when he was [being sworn into office]; we should be citizens not spectators. So, it behooves on all of us not to keep quiet.”
Anthony Forson
Elaborating on calls for constitutional amendments, Mr. Anthony Forson noted that the developmental issues could be tackled through the district assemblies, the Municipal Chief Executives, among others.
Bar Conference to commence on Monday
The President of the Ghana Bar Association announced that the upcoming Bar Conference will start from Monday, 13th September, 2021, at the Fountain Gate Chapel in Bolgatanga, Upper East Region. However, on Sunday, there will be a church service for the National Executives of the Bar Association.
Also, Mr. Forson disclosed that the President of the Republic of Ghana will be present at the conference.
Moreover, the President of GBA revealed that the theme of the conference, which will be delivered by Dr. Abdallah Ali-Nakyea is on ‘The Mobilization of Taxation for National development: Role of the Lawyer.’
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