Accra, Sept. 15, GNA – Mrs Efua Ghartey, President of the Ghana Bar Association (GBA), has called for greater adherence to constitutional principles and professional standards to protect public confidence in Ghana’s justice system.
She said recent comments by the Chief Justice on the performance of a public institution and comparisons with the output of a previous government had raised concerns within the legal profession.
“We do not want to believe that what happened is a fulfilment of Matthew 12:34, which says: ‘Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.”
“Respectfully, the Judicial Secretary’s attempted defence of the Chief Justice was, at best, lacklustre,” she said.
Mrs Ghartey made the remarks at the opening of the 2026/2027 GBA Annual Conference at Ada on Monday.
The conference is being held on the theme: “150 Years of Legal Evolution: Transforming the Profession and Driving its Future with Industry.”
Mrs Ghartey said while the GBA remained committed to protecting the independence of the Judiciary in accordance with Article 128(4) of the 1992 Constitution, all actors must operate within the bounds of their constitutional mandates.
She said one of the resolutions from the GBA mid-year conference concerned excessive bail conditions imposed by investigative and prosecutorial authorities.
Mrs Ghartey said the conditions should conform to the requirements of Article 14 of the 1992 Constitution and be reasonable, proportionate and consistent with the presumption of innocence.
“It must also be proportionate and consistent with the presumption of innocence,” she said.
Mrs Ghartey said the GBA had also proposed the consideration of a Human Rights Committee to monitor compliance with Article 14 and other human rights provisions of the Constitution.
She said such a committee could provide legal aid to citizens, including social commentators and TikTokers, who were arrested in circumstances that raised human rights concerns.
On the work of the Constitutional Review Committee, Mrs Ghartey called for a more consultative approach, including consideration of the establishment of a Constituent Assembly, as had been done previously.
“The Bar is taking a keen interest in these suggestions,” she said.
The GBA had conducted a survey to assess the efficacy of afternoon court sittings, she said, adding that the results and further sampling would be undertaken during the conference sessions.
Mrs Ghartey reiterated the GBA’s call for the activation of the Court Alert Application, which provided lawyers with instant information on courts that may not be sitting, thereby preventing unnecessary journeys to court.
She also recalled some interventions introduced by the Chief Justice and said the Bar remained ready to partner the Judiciary to ensure their successful implementation.
Mrs Ghartey welcomed the establishment of the Alternative Dispute Resolution Council in September, saying it would transform the ADR landscape in Ghana and boost investor confidence in doing business in the country.
On the Public Tribunal Act, she said the legislation had attracted significant attention and that the Bar was researching the matter and would, in due course, make its position known.
She said the GBA would carefully examine its provisions against constitutional standards, including the independence and necessity of tribunals.
On illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, the GBA President urged the Government to remain committed to its fight against the menace.
“It is particularly troubling that persons associated with political parties are alleged to be openly involved in the menace while our forests and farmlands continue to suffer.
“The GBA calls on the Government to translate into action positions and commitments it forcefully espoused during the campaign and bring an end to galamsey,” she said.
Mrs Ghartey said the Association had also rolled out an enhanced welfare package for its members.
GNA
Edited Boye-Doe
15 Sept. 2026
Reporter: Joyce Danso
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