The President of the Ghana Bar Association (GBA), Ms. Efua Ghartey, has extended a call to President John Dramani Mahama to collaborate with the Association in protecting the rule of law and upholding Ghana’s constitutional order.
She made the appeal at the opening of the GBA’s Annual General Conference held in Wa, Upper West Region. Her remarks highlighted the Association’s view of the Bar’s partnership with the executive as crucial to sustaining a democratic culture anchored on accountability, fairness, and justice.
“We’re confident and trust that under his leadership, he will join hands with us in jealously guarding the rule of law, respecting human rights, and upholding both the letter and spirit of our Constitution”
Ms. Efua Ghartey, President of the Ghana Bar Association
In her address, Ms. Ghartey stressed that the GBA’s work would remain guided by fairness and respect for the rule of law. She reassured the public that the Association’s positions were not politically motivated but anchored in the conviction that justice and equality must prevail in Ghana’s governance.
“In our quest to put Ghana on an enviable pedestal, we may from time to time hold views that differ. But let me assure all and sundry that we will not be motivated by ill will. But solely by the conviction that the foundation of every nation rests on respect and the rule of law. And where every man and woman stands equal before the law”
Ms. Efua Ghartey, President of the Ghana Bar Association
She further called for peace and unity as essential pillars for Ghana’s national progress, reiterating that the stability of the legal system plays a central role in ensuring justice for all citizens.
Attorney-General Dr. Dominic Ayine used the conference platform to challenge the GBA’s consistency in responding to constitutional issues. He accused the Association of being selective in its interventions on petitions related to the removal of key officeholders, particularly in relation to the recent removal of former Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo.
He pointed to earlier instances where the GBA had not spoken with the same urgency. In 2015, an Article 146 petition was received by the Chief Justice in relation to the removal of CHRAJ boss, Madam Lauretta Lamptey. The bar failed to speak out in the process.
The Attorney-General went on to recall that in 2017, a petition led to the removal of Electoral Commission Chairperson Charlotte Osei and her deputies, yet the GBA “saw no basis to speak up about the compliance with due process.”
He contrasted these moments with the Bar’s decision to “find its voice” during proceedings concerning Chief Justice Torkornoo, asking pointedly, “what changed?”
According to Dr. Ayine, the three petitions in question all touched on independent constitutional bodies critical to sustaining Ghana’s democracy. Their occupants, he stressed, were “all women of significant repute and members of our noble profession.”
Acting Chief Justice Raises Alarm on Galamsey
The Acting Chief Justice, Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, also used the occasion to raise concern over the destructive impact of illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey. His speech, delivered on his behalf by Justice Hafisata Amaleboba, described the menace as a grave national security threat.
“How can we also forget about the national security challenges brought to us by the menace of galamsey, as the influx of illegal miners, often accompanied by foreigners, has been linked to an increase in criminal activities in affected communities”
Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, Acting Chief Justice
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie lamented that despite legislative reforms such as the repeal of the Small-Scale Gold Mining Law, PNDC Law 218, and its replacement with the Minerals and Mining Act 703, illegal mining had only worsened.
“The measures we have employed over the years have been half-hearted and unable to solve this menace, which is a threat to this country’s survival,” he warned.
He further urged that the Environmental Protection (Mining in Forest Reserves) Regulation 2022 (LI 2462) be reviewed and repealed, stressing that such a move would be a crucial starting point if Ghana is serious about winning the war against illegal mining. “The time to act is now without any further delay,” the Acting Chief Justice said.
Ms. Ghartey concluded her address with a renewed pledge that the GBA would always be guided by the principles of fairness and justice. She emphasised the importance of maintaining a vibrant Bar that could “speak truth to power,” while also extending a hand of partnership to the government in advancing the rule of law.
The GBA’s conference brought together key legal and political figures, underscoring the centrality of the Bar’s role in Ghana’s democratic and legal architecture.
By inviting President Mahama to join in safeguarding the rule of law, the Association signalled its determination to ensure that justice and constitutionalism remain the guiding lights of governance.
