Former Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo has called on faith-based institutions to play a more assertive role in national discourse, especially in moments of crisis and social upheaval.
Former Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo has called on faith-based institutions to play a more assertive role in national discourse, especially in moments of crisis and social upheaval.
She made the call while speaking at the 10th anniversary celebration of Heritage Christian University, held under the theme “Upholding our Heritage Won for Us: Red, Gold and Green.”
Addressing the gathering, Justice Akuffo stressed that religious bodies have historically shaped national values and moral direction and therefore cannot remain silent when the nation faces challenges that threaten its integrity or wellbeing.
She argued that it is no longer enough for faith communities to stay on the sidelines or adopt a passive posture when public life is increasingly marked by ethical decline, poor leadership, and social tensions.
The Former Chief Justice emphasised that religious organisations have both the moral authority and the civic responsibility to speak truth to power, guide national conscience, and advocate for justice, accountability, and the wellbeing of citizens.
She urged these institutions to reclaim their role as guardians of societal values, reminding them that their influence is vital to shaping a nation worthy of being passed on to posterity.
“I wish our faith-based institutions will be more vocal, active, and critical instead of sometimes taking backseats and just looking on and humming. Jesus was an activist, was he not? What was not going well in his society, he spoke about it, and he worked about it. He took action about those things. It is very important,” she stated.