Attorney‑General and Minister for Justice, Dr Dominic Ayine, warned the Ghana Bar Association (GBA) that it must not become a tool of partisan politics. Speaking at the GBA Conference in Ada on September 14, he urged the association to preserve its independence and continue acting as the conscience of Ghanaian society.
Delivered by Deputy Attorney‑General Dr Justice Srem‑Sai on Ayine’s behalf, the address drew on the minister’s experience with bar associations across Commonwealth nations. He noted that professional associations in those countries maintain a respectful distance from political power corridors, a practice he sees as essential for the GBA.
Ayine added that the Bar’s independence must be coupled with state accountability. He argued that the government should create the institutional conditions that allow the legal profession to self‑govern, self‑discipline and support its members without undue state interference.
Highlighting the GBA’s traditional role, Ayine said the association is “the guardian of the Constitution, the friends of the court, the conscience of the Republic.” He urged the Bar to uphold these responsibilities while maintaining professional autonomy.
In closing, the Attorney‑General called on the GBA to remain a vigilant, independent body that holds the state to account and safeguards the rule of law in Ghana.
