A Justice from the Court of Appeal in Ghana discussed balancing forgiveness with making people answer for their actions. Dr. Ernest Owusu-Dapaa shared these thoughts at a dinner event for Muslim law students last Friday. He expressed concern about growing divisions among Ghanaians and made it clear that forgiving others should not lead to lawbreaking without consequences.
The judge explained that we can forgive someone yet still expect them to take responsibility for their wrongs. Forgiveness helps build stronger nations by healing rifts between people. However, he cautioned against mixing up forgiveness with letting bad actions slide. Dr. Owusu-Dapaa emphasized how forgiveness matters both ethically and under Ghana's laws.
He noted that forgiveness plays a key role in Islamic teachings. When people choose to forgive, they display strength rather than weakness. Seeking revenge never shows true power, according to the judge. Dr. Owusu-Dapaa also pointed out that Ghana's legal system includes forgiveness principles, such as when the president pardons someone, which demonstrates this value in practice.
The judge explained that we can forgive someone yet still expect them to take responsibility for their wrongs. Forgiveness helps build stronger nations by healing rifts between people. However, he cautioned against mixing up forgiveness with letting bad actions slide. Dr. Owusu-Dapaa emphasized how forgiveness matters both ethically and under Ghana's laws.
He noted that forgiveness plays a key role in Islamic teachings. When people choose to forgive, they display strength rather than weakness. Seeking revenge never shows true power, according to the judge. Dr. Owusu-Dapaa also pointed out that Ghana's legal system includes forgiveness principles, such as when the president pardons someone, which demonstrates this value in practice.
