Renowned legal scholar and Democracy and Development Fellow in Public Law and Justice at the Ghana Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), Professor Stephen Kweku Asare, popularly known as Kwaku Azar has extended his heartfelt congratulations to the latest cohort of lawyers called to the Ghanaian Bar.
In a thought-provoking address that not only celebrated the accomplishments of these new legal professionals but also urged them to confront societal injustices head-on, Professor Asare used the occasion to reflect on pressing legal challenges in the country.
He commended the new lawyers for their commitment to entering the noble legal profession, emphasizing the critical role they now play as defenders of justice, fairness, and truth.
“You have chosen a noble profession, one that calls on you to be champions of justice, fairness, and truth. It is also an occasion to reflect on some of the contemporary legal issues in Ghana”.
Professor Stephen Kweku Asare, renowned legal scholar and D&D Fellow at the Ghana Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana)
He urged them to reflect on contemporary legal issues that challenge Ghana’s justice system, using their knowledge to advocate for the marginalized and to remain vigilant in addressing systemic inequalities.
Legal System under Scrutiny
Professor Asare drew attention to two recent, high-profile cases in Ghana that raise significant questions about the administration of justice and the role of the state.
The first is the ongoing murder trial of Gregory Afoko, the brother of the former National Chairman of the ruling New Patriotic Party, Paul Afoko, which has dragged on for an astonishing eight years.
According to him, despite a 4-3 jury decision in Gregory Afoko’s favour, the state continues to pursue the case, a move that Professor Asare finds troubling. He expressed concern about the prolonged prosecution and the potential abuse of remand, which undermines the fairness and finality of trials.
His remarks pointed to a broader issue of the state’s reluctance to let go of cases, even when verdicts suggest the need to bring matters to a close.
Similarly, he cited the treason trial of renowned activist, and leader of the FixTheCountry Movement/Democracy Hub, Osagyefo Oliver Barker Vormawor, whose ordeal began after a controversial Facebook post inciting coup.
This case, according to Professor Asare, reflects the growing tension between freedom of speech and national security in the digital age.
“How we interpret and apply laws relating to treason in the digital age is an evolving challenge, especially when public expression is involved.
“These cases compel us to consider not just the letter of the law, but its broader implications on justice, rights, and the limits of state power. Let’s remain engaged with these pressing issues as we navigate Ghana’s legal landscape”.
Professor Stephen Kweku Asare, renowned legal scholar and D&D Fellow at the Ghana Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana)
A Call for Advocacy and Integrity
In his address, Professor Asare emphasized that the legal profession must not merely serve as a passive vehicle for interpreting laws, but rather, lawyers must rise to the challenge of questioning and reforming laws when they are unjust or disproportionately applied.
He pointed out that silence in the face of injustice is tantamount to complicity, urging new lawyers to be active participants in shaping a more equitable society and calling on them to remain steadfast in their commitment to fairness and advocacy.
“Our responsibility as lawyers is to stand up for those who cannot speak for themselves, to challenge systems that perpetuate inequality, and to ensure that justice is not just an ideal but a reality for all,”
Professor Stephen Kweku Asare, renowned legal scholar and D&D Fellow at the Ghana Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana)
His words served as both encouragement and a challenge for these newly minted legal professionals to use their positions to make meaningful differences in society.
While acknowledging that the “easiest path to fame and fortune” may lie in aligning oneself with political power and ignoring societal issues, Professor Asare strongly advised against this route.
“As legal professionals, we are called to be more than passive observers. Our role is to challenge injustice, to advocate for the vulnerable, and to be the voice of reason and fairness,” he emphasized, adding that true integrity comes from addressing societal problems head-on rather than turning a blind eye for personal gain.
Professor Asare’s message concluded with an empowering charge to the new legal professionals: “Go and make a difference!”
He encouraged them to leverage their legal knowledge, their influence, and their platform to stand firm in their convictions, to challenge the status quo when it falls short, and to be relentless in their pursuit of what is right.
In doing so, they would not only uphold the ideals of justice but also contribute to building a more equitable and just society for all Ghanaians.
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