Seek GLC recognition-Baffoe-Bonnie tells Ghana Law Society

Chief Justice nominee Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie has called on the Ghana Law Society to seek recognition from the General Legal Council, stressing that licensing and effective representation in the courts are central to the delivery of justice.

During a courtesy visit by the leadership of the Law Society, he reaffirmed the judiciary’s dedication to guaranteeing that defendants are adequately represented in legal proceedings, noting that access to justice remains a foundation of the country’s judicial framework.

He encouraged the association to strengthen its pursuit of acknowledgement from the GLC and to obtain the necessary practicing licenses that would empower its members to competently advocate for clients in court. He emphasised that these steps are vital for embedding the Society within Ghana’s regulated legal environment.

He recalled that there are times he chooses to remain silent because he remembers clearly that when the transition team came, he was already in office. 

At that time, he guided them through all the procedures and directed them to the Ghana Police Service to make further enquiries, and for that reason he believes the facts are already available.

He explained that the judiciary, under the mandate of the Constitution, is committed to safeguarding the rights of citizens, but stressed that lawyers hold a critical role in ensuring fair trial processes. 

Reflecting on his years as a trial judge, he recounted how he often assigned lawyers from the bar to represent litigants without counsel in order to uphold the integrity of justice delivery.

Justice Baffoe-Bonnie further underlined that what the judiciary expects from legal practitioners and professional bodies is adherence to licensing obligations, not necessarily membership in a particular association or group. 

He noted that whether joining as individuals or under a law society, what is required is to pursue a license from the GLC, and once that is secured, the bench will certainly grant them audience.

The Ghana Law Society, in response, assured the Chief Justice nominee of its resolve to support the judiciary’s mission of achieving justice for all, while reiterating its plans to engage the GLC for formal accreditation.

The visit formed part of the Society’s broader strategy to deepen collaboration with the judiciary and to highlight the importance of creating wider opportunities for lawyers to practice, provided they meet the standards set by the nation’s regulatory framework.

Justice Baffoe-Bonnie expressed gratitude to the delegation for their goodwill and pledged that, if confirmed as Chief Justice, he would remain committed to upholding fairness and equity. 

He concluded with the hope that in the end, what all parties desire, which is justice for the people of the country, will be achieved during their tenure.