Let's keep the wig and gown: Justice Adjei backs legal dress code for identity and integrity

Supreme Court nominee Justice Dennis Dominic Adjei has firmly defended the continued use of wigs and gowns by legal practitioners in Ghana, arguing that the attire is more than ceremonial—it safeguards the integrity and identity of the judiciary.

During his vetting before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on June 16, 2025, Justice Adjei rejected suggestions to modernize or discard the traditional courtroom attire, warning that such changes could open the floodgates for impersonation and erode the professional identity of judges and lawyers.

He praised Parliament’s recent affirmation of the dress code, stating that legal robes are a recognized symbol of the profession globally, from local jurisdictions to international courts.

Justice Adjei made his position clear in response to Cape Coast South MP Kweku Ricketts-Hagan, who questioned the continued relevance of the attire.

The use of wigs in courtrooms dates back to 17th-century England, when they emerged as a fashion trend under Charles II. Though originally worn for reasons as mundane as concealing baldness, the judiciary adopted them as a mark of authority and dignity.