Tribute to a living V-Mate

We live in a world where as soon as a person dies, that person becomes a saint. The tributes that pour forth in the event of death make it look as if while that person was alive, he had never stepped on an ant, spat or blown his nose in public; everything about the dead person was exemplary and needed to be emulated by all. In fact, so copious and flowery are the praises that there is no doubt in the minds of anybody that if there is truly any place as heaven, then that person is marching straight to a first-class apartment in that celestial realm. Sincerely speaking, there were and still are, men and women who have made and continue to make their lives worth emulating. That is why there is nothing wrong with tributes per se. If for nothing at all, they serve as inspiration to those still alive to either continue in their good ways or mend their lives where they obviously believe they have fallen short of expectation. For the dead, I wonder whether those sweet tributes serve any useful purpose for them. That is why some of us would prefer that those who do well in life are told about it before their demise. In that wise, those persons and those close to or associated with them would savour their good works. It will also urge them to do more and inspire others to follow suit. Moreover, in our part of the world, where certain virtues have become scarce commodities and at best exist as mere words, it is only fair and in order that those who have exhibited certain sterling qualities become examples for the rest of us. It is on account of this that I join many others to congratulate Mr Justice Saeed Kwaku Gyan. Justice Gyan has found himself in a profession that has its peculiar challenges. As a High Court Judge, his job definitely puts a lot of physical strain on him. He is also confronted with the challenge of interpreting the law to the letter and satisfaction of those who appear before him. I do not think Justice Gyan ever declared himself incorruptible, the way others do. I do not think he ever made claim to honesty, impartiality or fairness. It is his deeds and not words that are speaking for him. At the recent annual conference of the Ghana Bar Association (GBA), held in Takoradi in the Western Region, Justice Gyan came up for special mention. He was singled out for mention by the august body of legal brains for his exemplary performance. The inscription on the plaque presented to him read; “For his uprightness and will to resist corruption in the discharge of his duties as a Justice of the High Court”. It said, “The National Executive Committee of the GBA toured the regions and visited Sekondi-Takoradi in its Western Regional tour. Nowhere in the regions visited was a judge so singled out for praise by the Bar and Bench”. It went on; “Your first station as a judge was Sekondi-Takoradi where you remained for four years. We visited the region in your absence, but the lawyers could not stop mentioning you for instilling in them discipline and diligent work. “They confirmed you upheld your path of office and dispensed justice without fear or favour. You worked very hard, without thinking of being in competition with anybody. No wonder you gained the admiration of your peers who wondered whether they could leave office with the same commendation and accolade. “Human as you are, you were bound to have made some mistakes. But none bordered on corruption whatsoever. The testimony was that not even ‘thank you’ gift after a decision would be entertained by you. Indeed, in you, we have an anti-corruption personality. “It is for reason, therefore, that the Bar is bestowing on you this singular honour for being who you are, an honest, hardworking and incorruptible judge”. This is the verdict of the members of the Bar and Bench who are the peers of Justice Gyan. These are people who have worked with Justice Gyan over the years either defending clients in his court or observing his performance as fellow professionals on the Bench. So they stand in a very good stead to make judgement and come to a reliable verdict. As stated earlier, in a world where certain virtues or qualities are mere words and in a profession that has come under heavy public criticism for lapses perceived to border on corruption, it is only fair and proper that Justice Gyan’s high attributes are not left unheralded till his body is lowered into his grave before the trumpets begin to blow his spectacular qualities. This is the time to make his wife, children, relatives and friends proud of his achievements and to celebrate them while he is still in active service and could serve as an inspiration to others. There are many other Justice Gyans all over the place doing their best to make this country a better place for all. There are health professionals including doctors and nurses that are doing their best against all odds to save lives, even at the peril of their lives. There are teachers that are ready to serve in any part of the country and without any extra incentives or textbooks are trying hard to transform raw brains into top-class professionals for the future. There are cashiers and accountants who, with all the company money before them are prepared to suffer deprivation just to protect what belongs to all. The list is long and endless and all such people need to be identified and acknowledged. Society must begin to cherish value and merit and not the corrupt brigands who are loudest. To V-Mate Justice Gyan, I say congrats. Remember that once you have been mentioned publicly for honour , the temptations would be become more, but remain resolute and steadfast and be yourself. Remember, ‘Truth Stands’, which is the motto of Commonwealth Hall of the University of Ghana, of which you are a proud and revered member. fokofi@yahoo.co.uk