A-G cautions legal fraternity against external influence in Ghana’s constitutional matters

Ghana’s Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr Dominic Ayine, has cautioned professional and legal associations in the country not to open the door to external involvement in issues concerning the nation’s judiciary and constitutional order.

Speaking at the Ghana Bar Association’s Annual Conference in Wa on Monday, September 15, Dr Ayine recognised the importance of global partnerships in strengthening professional practice but warned that such collaborations must not extend into constitutional politics.

“We must resist the temptation of inviting foreign interference in our internal constitutional processes. There is nothing wrong with building relationships with like-minded foreign associations, as these are important for exchanging ideas and improving standards. But that is where it should stop,” he stated.

He added that “allowing interference in constitutional politics undermines the principle that sovereignty rests with the people of Ghana, in whose name and interest government authority is exercised.”

Dr Ayine’s remarks follow appeals by the Bar Council of England and Wales together with the Commonwealth Lawyers Association, urging President John Dramani Mahama to rescind the suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo ahead of her eventual removal.

In their August 14 statement, the two organisations commended Ghana’s long-standing commitment to the rule of law and called for the Chief Justice’s immediate reinstatement a position that has since sparked divisions within the country’s legal fraternity.