The President of the Ghana Bar Association (GBA), Efua Ghartey, has called on President John Dramani Mahama to work closely with the legal fraternity
The President of the Ghana Bar Association (GBA), Efua Ghartey, has called on President John Dramani Mahama to work closely with the legal fraternity in protecting the democracy and upholding the rule of law.
She made the appeal at the Association’s Annual General Conference in Wa, Upper West Region, on Monday, September 15, 2025, stressing that the Bar stands ready to partner government in safeguarding constitutional governance.
GBA’s Call for Partnership
Addressing legal professionals, government officials, and industry stakeholders, Ghartey expressed confidence in President Mahama’s leadership and commitment to democracy.
She urged him to “jealously guard the rule of law, respect human rights, and uphold both the letter and spirit of the Constitution.”
The GBA leader further highlighted the need for a strong and united Bar that can “speak truth to power,” insisting that the Association remains committed to justice, equality, and fairness for all citizens.
Her call for collaboration comes at a time when Ghana’s judiciary and constitutional processes have faced intense public scrutiny.
Ayine Cautions Against Selective Advocacy
In a contrasting tone, Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, challenged the Bar to avoid partisan leanings in its advocacy.
Referring to the recent removal of former Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, Dr. Ayine noted that the GBA had been vocal on this issue but remained silent on similar constitutional petitions in the past.
He cited three high-profile Article 146 petitions—the removal of CHRAJ boss Lauretta Lamptey in 2015, the dismissal of Electoral Commission Chairperson Charlotte Osei in 2017, and the petition against Justice Torkornoo in 2025.
According to him, all three followed the constitutionally prescribed procedures, yet the GBA only chose to publicly speak out during the latter case.
“The three committees established pursuant to Article 146 complied with the constitutional procedure to the letter, and yet the Bar found its voice only in relation to the third petition. Consciously, the voice of the Bar amplified the voice of the opposition,” he argued.
Judicial Controversy
The removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo earlier this month has been one of the most divisive issues in Ghana’s recent political and legal landscape.
Critics, including sections of the GBA, described the decision as politically motivated and a threat to judicial independence.
However, government maintains that due process was followed, consistent with the Constitution.
This controversy has reignited debates over how the Bar positions itself during politically sensitive legal battles. In the past, the Association has been criticized for either being too silent or appearing to take partisan stances.
The Attorney General’s comments suggest that these inconsistencies risk undermining the Bar’s credibility as a neutral defender of the Constitution.
The Way Forward
Dr. Ayine urged lawyers in both public service and politics to rise above partisanship, stressing that their foremost loyalty must be to the Constitution and the Ghanaian people.
“The lawyer in politics must be a voice of reason, moderation, and constitutionalism. The Bar must speak up, not to please government or opposition parties, but to defend the rule of law, the independence of the judiciary, and the rights of the citizens,” he stated.
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