Chief Justice, Kwasi Anin-Yeboah has advised auctioneers to defend the integrity of the profession.

According to him, their conduct of activities must be sustained with professional integrity that is devoid of wrongdoings and negligence.

He made this revelation in a speech read on his behalf at the inauguration of The Professional Auctioneers Society.

“As per the dictates of your licensing regime, it must never be lost on you that your conduct and undertakings as auctioneers are strictly regulated by law. Do remember that honor, dignity, and reputation are earned and not demanded.”

Furthermore, Chief Justice Anin Yeboah explained, being stakeholders in the system of administration of justice, the system must be held by auctioneers in high esteem. He further indicated that it is expected of them to discharge their duties with diligence, ethical considerations, and values to avoid perceptions of collusions or wrongdoing.

“You cannot be auctioneers worthy of trust without being professional, ethical, honest, and diligent exuding respect for the courts, execution creditors and debtors and purchasers as well as the society at large.

“You must be men and women of integrity and in good standing. You must appreciate that you are in a fiduciary relationship with all stakeholders as applicable to the law relating to your practice”.

Auctioneers must be professionals

Following this, the Chief Justice noted that civil society, corporate entities, and the international community at large, place much value on transparency, statutory compliance, and ethical conduct.

As such, he admonished that, “corrupt and fraudulent practices are criminal conduct and have no place in your noble practice”.

Chief Justice Annin-Yeboah underscored the need for the licensed auctioneers in exacting their contribution to the development of the nation to practice their profession without fear, favoritism.

He further advises them to act without bias while upholding the law at all times.

“All persons who hold the mallet (hammer) whether as judges or auctioneers are regulated by the constitution of the land and other laws. There are temptations for wrongdoing that come with most offices and professions. Yours is no exception. The only way of escaping the tag of corruption and incompetence is your ability to discharge the dictates of your license with integrity and competence”.

Also, he reminded the auctioneers that in spite of the privileges their work comes with, it must also be carried out with diligence to responsibilities.

“Be guided by the law. Avoid any unnecessary underhand dealings and shortcuts. The law regulating your practice has made provision for your remuneration and sanctions, which include being subject to criminal and civil prosecution. Be mindful and do the needful. Your profession is a noble one.”

on his part, Mr Okine, in his inaugural address, said The Professional Auctioneers Society, Ghana, would become a beacon of hope to all auctioneers in the country and solve challenges facing the industry.

“The Professional Auctioneering Society, Ghana will modernize auctioneering. It will be a vital force, a new and dynamic body to assume full responsibilities for the coordination of all aspects of research and learning and ready to represent auctioneers in any government activity in the country“.