Accra, Oct 3, GNA-The Reverend Professor Andrews Seth Ayettey, Chaplain of Ghana Medical School, at the weekend, prayed for the gifts of wisdom, understanding and uprightness for Judges and magistrates to help them administer the law impartially.

He called on the Chief Justice, the Judicial Council, the bench and the bar to uphold the Constitution and the rule of law so as to establish and maintain peace and justice in the country.

Rev. Prof. Ayettey was delivering the homily at a special Church service held in Accra to commence the 52nd Legal Service Year of the judiciary.

He urged members of the judiciary to imitate God's way of administering justice and mercy towards mankind in order to plead the cause of the disadvantage in society.

Rev. Prof. Ayettey expressed dissatisfaction at the fact that women, widows and the physically-challenged in the society were badly treated and charged the judiciary to put in effective structures so as to care properly for those on the fringes of society.

"Justice is the very essence of God. You should be God's instruments and vessels to take care of orphans, widows and children, in a fair and just way," he said.

Rev. Prof. Ayettey reminded the judiciary to be wary of allure of materialism as it was associated with morally- corruptible influences.

Alluding to two Biblical examples of Joseph and Jesus Christ, who were victims of bad judicial systems in their time, he asked members of the judicial service to adjudicate in a righteous and fair manner so as to serve as "noble vessels to accomplish God's purpose."

In a related development, a message by Mrs Justice Georgina T. Wood, Chief Justice, to commemorate the Legal Year, commended the judiciary for the immense contributions of members towards enhancing justice delivery in the country.

The message described the rule of law, political and social stability as critical elements to national growth and development and charged members of the bench to be committed towards such elements.

"As leaders in justice delivery, we need to understand that with the unique position we occupy in the governance of this country comes the corresponding duty to be held accountable for the efficient and effective management of state resources and court business," it said.

The message said the church service served as an opportunity for the judiciary to re-affirm its commitment to upholding the Constitution and rule of law.

"We exercise judicial authority in the name and on behalf of the people of Ghana, and this is what makes judicial accountability a shared responsibility. It is my prayer that we take our legitimate responsibilities seriously," it said.

The theme for the 52nd Legal Year was with the theme: "Access to Justice-Consolidating Judicial Accountability and Integrity."