Accra Oct. 1, GNA- Judges have been advised not to be swayed by partisan or ethnic interest while dispensing justice, but discharge their duties with diligence, Reverend Professor Emmanuel Asante, President of the Trinity Theology Seminary said on Saturday. "You have been called to participate in a profession reserved for God. Judges are God's servants chosen to administer justice to his people. Fear not and set your eyes on God and he will protect you." Rev. Prof. Asante, who was speaking at a special church service to mark the opening of the 48th legal year for the Judicial Service, further urged judges to be faithful to the law and maintain professional competence and integrity.

Delivering a sermon on the theme: "The importance of justice in nation building," he said justice was very important in the development of every nation, saying that without that, there could be chaos and rebellion.

He recalled how Moses in the Bible was tasked by God to appoint judges to participate in God's Judiciary by administering justice to the Israelites.

He said soon after the appointment of judges, God further tasked them not to twist justice to benefit the rich nor accept bribes since that could twist their minds from wisdom and corrupt their decisions. Rev. Prof Asante therefore, asked them to abide by their code of ethics, which stressed the need to uphold integrity and independence of the judiciary.

According to him, judges with integrity were expected be fair and impartial and have character strength and the ability to recognise people's limitation.

"These qualities should be evident in your lives as you judge the people who have been created by God," he added Rev. Prof. Asante, who is also a member of the Judicial Council called for a similar code of conducts for the clergy to serve as a guide to them.

Mr. Justice George Kingsley Acquah, Chief Justice, Mr. Ayikoi Otoo, Minister of Justice and Attorney General and Mr. Solomon Kwami Tetteh President of the Ghana Bar Association took turns to read the various Bible passages.

Among those present was Mr. Osafo Sampong, Director for Public Prosecution, Justices of the Superior and Lower courts and lawyers. 01 Oct.05