Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, urged the Ghana Bar Association (GBA) to champion constitutionalism and elevate ethical standards in the legal profession.
Addressing the GBA’s Annual Conference in Wa on Monday, September 15, Dr. Ayine stressed the duty of lawyers to safeguard democracy, especially when threats to constitutional order emerge from within the profession.
“We must reclaim our position as defenders of democracy. Lawyers’ voices must not be muted when constitutionalism is endangered—by the executive, the legislature, political parties, or even our own members,” he declared to the legal assembly.
He highlighted the necessity of restoring public trust in the justice system by maintaining integrity among lawyers.
“A few wayward lawyers can damage the reputation of the entire Bar. The Ghana Bar Association must be proactive in ensuring we adhere to the highest standards of integrity,” he remarked.
Regarding access to justice, Dr. Ayine pointed out that legal aid should not merely be a “token gesture” but rather a true lifeline for the underprivileged. He reiterated the government’s commitment to providing resources for the Legal Aid Commission while encouraging the Bar to adopt pro bono services as part of its civic responsibilities.
Additionally, he advocated for the modernization of the justice system through e-filing, case management reforms, and digital court records, characterizing these advancements as essential rather than optional for a 21st-century judiciary.
