By: tntnewspapergh.com

The New Patriotic Party(NPP) Member of Parliament (MP) for Juaben constituency in the Ashanti region,,Mr.Francis Owusu-Akyaw,,has stated that,it is without doubt that education remains a powerfully tool for promoting social justice.

According to him,”our constitution guarantees this right under Article 25(1) of 1992 constitution, which states that “all persons shall have the right to equal educational opportunities “.

Mr.Francis Owusu-Akyaw

Mr Owusu-Akyaw, made the call on the floor of Parliament on Thursday,20th February,2025 to commemorate World social justice day.

The Juaben MP said “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”.

Shortscreen of the MP during presentation on the floor of Parliament

Social justice,he explained is the foundation of national development, peace,and stability.”It is about ensuring that every Ghanaian-regardless of gender, ethnicity, socio-economic status,or physical ability -can to enjoy the fundamental rights and the enshrined in our 1992 constitution”,he added.

The full statement by Mr Francis Owusu-Akyaw is reproduced below;

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

𝗕𝗬
𝗛𝗢𝗡 𝗙𝗥𝗔𝗡𝗖𝗜𝗦 𝗢𝗪𝗨𝗦𝗨-𝗔𝗞𝗬𝗔𝗪, 𝗠𝗣 𝗝𝗨𝗔𝗕𝗘𝗡

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. 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.

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. 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. 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.

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. 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.

Mr. Speaker beyond education, the Constitution of Ghana is also clear in its commitment to social justice with respect to guaranteeing human rights. 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 and for the public interest.

Mr. Speaker, social justice also extends to economic rights and fair labour practices. 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.

Mr. Speaker, access to justice and due process is a cornerstone of social justice. 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. In the 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.

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. Social justice is not just a legal obligation but a moral duty that defines the character of our dear nation.

Mr. Speaker May God bless Ghana, and may justice and fairness be the foundation of our development.I am grateful for the opportunity Rt. Hon. Speaker.

𝚃𝙷𝙰𝙽𝙺 𝚈𝙾𝚄