Gary Nimako charges young lawyers to promote integrity against partisanship

A strong call for professionalism, intellectual rigour and loyalty to the rule of law dominated proceedings at the 2025 Annual General Conference of the Law Students’ Network (LSN) of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), held at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), over the weekend.

The conference, which also saw the swearing-in of newly elected executives for the 2025/2026 academic year, brought together senior party figures, legal practitioners and law students to reflect on the future of law, politics and governance in Ghana.

At the heart of the conference was a keynote message from the NPP’s Director of Legal Affairs, Gary Nimako Marfo, who urged young lawyers and law students to place fidelity to the law above partisan loyalty.

Addressing the gathering, Nimako Marfor stressed that recognition in the legal profession must be earned through mastery of the law and sound scholarship, not political propaganda or emotional partisanship.

He cautioned aspiring lawyers against reducing legal advocacy to political talking points, insisting that lawyers must “speak the law” and ground their arguments in authority, precedent and sound legal reasoning.

According to him, political affiliation may open doors in party spaces, but credibility in the legal profession is built on competence, discipline and an unwavering commitment to justice.

He reminded the students that history judges lawyers not by the parties they serve, but by the integrity with which they defend the law.

The conference also featured remarks from the Member of Parliament for Akuapem North, Sammi Awuku, who struck a more overtly political tone.

He encouraged members of the LSN to remain committed to the ideals and growth of the NPP, assuring them that their loyalty and hard work would not go unnoticed.

Awuku revealed that under a future NPP government, the Law Students’ Network would be deliberately integrated into party activities, particularly in areas such as research, policy advocacy and legal strategy.

He further disclosed that once the party elects its next flagbearer after 31 January 2026, structured collaboration between the flagbearer and the LSN would be prioritised.

In a message of appreciation, the General Secretary of the NPP, Justin Kodua Frimpong, acknowledged the contribution of the LSN to party activities, particularly their presence at the recent launch of the party’s amended constitution at the NPP headquarters.

The statement, read on his behalf by the Director of External Affairs, Kwame Kyeretwie-Amponsah, reaffirmed the party’s commitment to working closely with the law students and urged them to remain steadfast and proactive in expanding the network.

Adding a practical dimension to the discussions, former Member of Parliament for Asante Akyem North, Andy Kwame Appiah-Kubi, offered advice drawn from his experience at the Bar and in public office.

He warned young lawyers against confrontational attitudes towards judges, emphasising that respect for the court is a cornerstone of legal practice and professional growth.

A major highlight of the conference was the swearing-in of new executives to steer the affairs of the Law Students’ Network for the 2025/2026 academic year. The ceremony formed part of the Annual General Conference held on Saturday, 13 December 2025, under the theme: “Holding Together, Building Together, and Winning Together: A Brighter Future for Young Patriots.”

In his inaugural address, the newly sworn-in Convenor, Gyasi Kwaku Abraham, outlined an ambitious roadmap for the Network in the coming academic year.

He announced plans to organise free tutorials for both Part One and Part Two students of the Ghana School of Law beginning January 2026.

The newly sworn-in executives are Gyasi Kwaku Abraham as Convenor; Osei Samuel Mireku as Deputy Convenor; Sisey Seidu Ibrahim as Secretary; Jake Kweku Eyison as Finance Officer; Appiah Ama Atta as Welfare Coordinator; Michael Obiri-Adjei and Ankomah-Oware Sylvester Leslie as Programmes Coordinators; A. Ampong as Organising Secretary; K. Frimpong as Communication Officer; and Araba Etroo Godiva as Women’s Commissioner.