AG charges GBA to prevent, condemn illegal pressures on Judiciary

The Attorney General, Godfred Dame has charged the Ghana Bar Association to continually stand against and deal with illegal pressures on the Judiciary.

At the swearing-in of the new President and executives of the Ghana Bar Association (GBA) on November 4, Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Godfred Yeboah Dame, urged the GBA to remain vigilant in protecting the judiciary from external pressures and undue influence.

In his speech, Mr. Dame emphasized the importance of preserving judicial independence and integrity. He called on the GBA to actively resist and denounce any attempts to interfere with judicial decisions.

“The Bar must prevent and condemn every act of illegal pressure on the Judiciary,” he stated, underscoring the vital role of legal professionals in shielding the judiciary from outside influences.

Mr. Dame also warned against individuals he described as "unscrupulous," who aim to undermine judicial independence by spreading unwarranted criticism and damaging its reputation.

Such actions, he cautioned, pose a serious threat to the impartiality and core values of Ghana’s judicial system.

Additionally, Dame highlighted the essential role of the GBA and the legal community in maintaining the "purity, dignity, and majesty" of the courts. He expressed confidence that the GBA’s dedication to safeguarding judicial independence would uphold public trust in the legal system.

In his closing, Godfred Dame encouraged the new GBA leadership to continue nurturing a legal environment where justice remains free from external manipulation, noting that the integrity of Ghana's courts is crucial to the nation’s democracy and the rule of law.