Former Chief Justice Calls for Quality Service in Public and Private Sectors
On May 21, 2025, the Methodist University Ghana commemorated its 25th anniversary with a thought-provoking public lecture. The lecture, themed “Morality, Excellence, and Service in Sustainable Democratic Governance,” featured Justice Sophia Akuffo, former Chief Justice of the Republic of Ghana, as the keynote speaker. She delivered a compelling address on the importance of setting and maintaining high standards of excellence and quality delivery in both public and private spheres.
Justice Akuffo emphasized that every Ghanaian professional, from teachers to judges, must view their work as a call to service, rather than just a job. “Every Ghanaian teacher, nurse, law enforcement officer, Member of Parliament, judge, and public servant must see their work as a call to service, which will inspire, build, grow, and maintain a healthy and happy nation,” she said.
She noted that the concept of hard labor as punishment may be counterproductive. “Maybe we need to move away from the term ‘hard labor’ and find alternative ways to administer justice,” she proposed. Justice Akuffo emphasized that morality and excellence are crucial, but are rendered ineffective without quality service.
Citing the Methodist Insurance Company’s motto, “If it must be done, it must be done well,” Justice Akuffo encouraged the audience to strive for excellence in all aspects of life. “Pretty good is not good enough. Perfect is what we should be aiming at, always, in all things,” she said. She also drew inspiration from Robert Browning’s poem “Andrea Del Sarto,” which says, “Ah, but a man’s reach must exceed his grasp, or what’s a heaven for?”
The lecture served as a call to action for Ghanaians to prioritize excellence and quality service in all aspects of life, and to strive for a brighter future for themselves and their nation. Justice Akuffo’s emphasis on excellence and quality service resonated with the audience, and her call to action was met with applause. As she noted, “If we aim high and strive for excellence, we can build a better future for ourselves and our nation.” The lecture was a fitting tribute to the Methodist University Ghana’s 25 years of promoting excellence in education.
