The event, themed "Looking Beyond the Present: Creating Visionary Young Women," forms part of the Chief Justice's Mentorship Programme, aimed at inspiring and empowering the youth in mainstream education, as well as female head porters (kayayei) to strive for excellence.

Justice Baffoe-Bonnie connected with the young women by drawing parallels between their lives and his own challenging upbringing saying;

 "I come from Goaso in the Bono region from a very poor background. My father had 36 children. I am number 33. I come from a house that was polygamous with all its problems."

He openly discussed his humble beginnings, vividly recollecting how he arrived on University of Ghana, Legon campus, carrying his suitcase on his head, while his peers drove to school or were chauffeured by their parents. To him, rising to the esteemed position of Supreme Court Judge and Acting Chief Justice is by dint of hard work and determination.  He stated:

 "Mine is what you call a humble background but I've risen through the ranks and I'm here so if you see me here as Acting Chief Justice, I have a similar background like what you have."

   
                                                                                                  Attentive Orange Girls, as Acting Chief Justice shares life story

The Acting Chief Justice strongly encouraged the Orange Girls to have faith in their potential and fully utilise the mentorship opportunities available to them. He entreated them to be “agents of change" within their communities. Acknowledging their fortunate position compared to himself and many who lacked such mentorship opportunities, Justice Baffoe Bonnie challenged the girls to become better versions of themselves.

 "You, our Orange Girls, have the greatest opportunity to become better because you have the gift of mentors. Count yourselves blessed" he stated.

The Acting Chief Justice concluded his inspiring address with a quote from June Sarpong; "Believe in yourself and be proud of who you are”. Drawing from the quote, he charged the girls to believe in themselves and not allow anyone to discourage them. He concluded his remarks saying, “There is beauty in everyone, and no one should stop you from growing into a confident and strong young person".

 
Acting Chief Justice H/L Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie (5^th from right), Chairperson of the Mentoring Planning Committee, Justice Prof. O. Anku-Tsede (left to Ag. CJ), Ms. Sandra Thompson, Secretary, Bank of Ghana (4^th from left), Mr. Musah Ahmed Judicial Secretary (3^rd from left), Tweneboah Koduah Esq. Mentor (2^nd from left), Dr.Sarah Marjie, Snr. Lecturer, U-G (4^th from left, Mrs. Particia N. Afarley Dadson, a Deputy Judicial Secretary(3^rd from right), Mr. Faisal Bawa, from UNFPA(2^nd from right) and Mr. Bismark Aboagye, Judicial Reforms & Projects (1^st from right) in a group photograph with other guests and the Orange Girls.

About the Chief Justice’s Mentoring Programme

The Chief Justice’s Mentoring Programme is an initiative by the Chief Justice’s Office to educate and inspire the next generation about the Judiciary and the legal profession. While the enhanced programme establishes Justice Clubs in schools across the country, the Orange Girls’ Justice Club is specifically designed for vulnerable out-of-school girls (mostly head porters) within our markets, popularly known as ‘Kayayei’. The Programme seeks to offer these young girls a unique chance to engage with seasoned legal minds and build their confidence and knowledge.