The Ghana Bar Association has been advised to uphold consistency and place principle above political interests in its public advocacy. Attorney General Dr. Dominic Ayine issued the advice during the opening of the 2025/26 GBA Annual Conference in Wa.
Dr. Ayine noted that while the Bar has historically played a key role in assisting the Supreme Court to interpret and enforce constitutional provisions, its recent interventions outside the courtroom have lacked consistency.
He cautioned that when lawyers engage in partisan politics without restraint, it risks undermining their professional credibility.
He emphasized that lawyers’ primary allegiance should be to the Constitution and the Republic rather than to transient political interests.
Dr. Ayine also pointed out that the Bar remained largely silent when Article 146 provisions were previously acted upon, yet has recently taken a vocal stance on the suspension and removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo following petitions of misconduct.
He said, “Our role in politics must be guided by principle, not partisanship. When lawyers descend into the arena of raw politics without restraint, we risk undermining the very foundation of our professional credibility. We must remember that our allegiance is first and foremost to the constitution and this republic, not to transient political interests. Our over three decades have passed since the adoption of our constitution.”
Dr. Ayini added, “During this period our republic has tested and continues to test the resilience of its democratic institutions. In doing this, the bar has played a crucial role in assisting the supreme court to interpret and enforce the constitution. But outside the courtroom, the advocacy of the BAR as a professional group has lacked consistency, bringing into question its adherence to principle.”
