Dr. Ernest Owusu-Dapaa, a Justice of the Court of Appeal, emphasized the importance of balancing forgiveness with accountability to foster a just and united society. Speaking at the grand Iftar organized by the Ghana School of Law Muslim Students Association on Friday, March 28, he addressed concerns regarding the increasing polarization in Ghanaian society. He called for a clear distinction between forgiveness and impunity, asserting that forgiveness should not promote a culture of lawlessness.
“Forgiveness does not mean we should sacrifice accountability,” Justice Owusu-Dapaa stated. Highlighting forgiveness as a crucial virtue in nation-building, he reminded citizens of its role in bridging divides and fostering harmony while cautioning that it should not be misinterpreted as a tolerance for wrongdoing. He also underscored the moral and legal significance of forgiveness in Ghana.
“Forgiveness is a necessary thing for us; it is a very important aspect of the Islamic religion. Forgiveness is a sign of strength, not weakness. Vengeance is not a sign of strength,” he remarked. Justice Owusu-Dapaa noted that forgiveness is embedded in the nation’s legal framework, citing the president’s “prerogative of mercy” as an example of this principle in action.
Source: Citi Newsroom
