The Ghana Bar Association has condemned comments made by the Minority Leader and Effutu MP, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, against a High Court judge during a recent press conference. The Association indicated that lawyers were expected to seek legal redress and avoid public attacks on judges.
The Public Relations Officer of the Ghana Bar Association, Saviour Kudze, said the comments directed at the judge crossed ethical lines expected of lawyers in public life. He explained that criticism of judges must remain measured and guided by professional standards within the legal fraternity.
According to him, the judicial system already provides avenues for dissatisfied parties to seek redress through appeals. He added that lawyers were expected to rely on those legal channels whenever they disagreed with decisions delivered in court.
Mr Kudze expressed concern over remarks questioning the competence and qualifications of the judge involved in the matter. He stated that such comments had the tendency to weaken public confidence in the judiciary and undermine professional ethics at the Bar.
“We are free to criticise judges, but you do not insult the judge. The appellate system is there so that if judges err, you use the judicial process to address it.”
Saviour Kudze
He further indicated that the Association deemed the matter serious because the comments came from a senior member of the legal profession and a political leader. In his view, public figures within the legal field were expected to demonstrate conduct that promoted respect for judicial institutions.
“A senior lawyer of his standing, who is a public figure, should not have done that. He ought to have known better even under our rules of ethics.”
Saviour Kudze
Mr Kudze also disclosed that the Association had previously condemned similar conduct involving lawyers in earlier cases. He recalled that the Ghana Bar Association consistently spoke against behaviours considered unethical within the profession irrespective of political affiliation.
However, he rejected suggestions that the Association delayed its reaction because of the political identity of the individual involved. He explained that some members of the Association had only become aware of the issue the previous night, which accounted for the timing of the response.
The Bar Association official stressed that younger lawyers and members of the public often looked up to senior legal practitioners for guidance. Consequently, he warned that attacks on judges by influential lawyers could encourage disregard for the judiciary among the youth.
Mr Kudze further noted that grievances regarding judicial conduct could be formally raised before the appropriate disciplinary or judicial bodies. He stated that judges also had rights within the justice system and could seek redress if they believed they had been unfairly targeted.
“If that was purely a matter of law, you go to court. You do not transport the courtroom into a media forum to litigate issues there.”
Saviour Kudze
According to him, legal disputes must remain within judicial structures to preserve the integrity and authority of the courts.
GBA Rejects Claims Of Political Alignment With Opposition
The Ghana Bar Association has dismissed allegations by the Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, suggesting that the Association operates in favour of the New Patriotic Party whenever it comments on national issues.
The Public Relations Officer of the Association, Saviour Kudze, argued that such accusations continue to divert attention from matters affecting the country and the legal profession.
He said repeated claims of political alignment have become troubling and unproductive. He explained that criticism directed at the Association often emerges whenever it fails to issue prompt statements on controversial national developments.
According to him, the Ghana Bar Association remains a professional body made up of lawyers from different political and ideological backgrounds. He stated that the Association’s decisions and public pronouncements are guided by legal principles and professional responsibility.
Mr Kudze noted that several national concerns require urgent attention from political leaders and the public. However, he observed that discussions surrounding the Association frequently shift focus away from issues such as sanitation and illegal mining.
He argued that politicians who believed that there are concerns within the Bar Association should focus on proposing practical solutions. In his view, leadership requires constructive engagement instead of constant accusations against professional institutions.
The legal practitioner further explained that all lawyers in the country belong to one professional body and share the same ethical responsibilities. Consequently, he stressed that differences in political opinions should not be used to erode public confidence in the Association.
He also rejected assertions that the Association selectively commented on matters involving certain political groups. According to him, the Bar has addressed several issues in the past based on professional principles and public interest considerations.
Mr Kudze expressed disappointment over persistent attempts to tag the Association with partisan labels whenever it intervened in national discourse.
“It is disappointing that every time this issue comes up, people keep saying the GBA belongs to one political party. We are all lawyers belonging to one group.”
Saviour Kudze
He further added that the Association remains committed to protecting the integrity of the legal profession and defending constitutional governance.
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