Chief Justice Paul Baffoe‑Bonnie addressed the largest cohort of 1,568 new lawyers at the 63rd Call to the Bar ceremony in Teshie, Accra, on Monday. He warned that the rapid spread of unverified information through digital platforms could lead to hasty judgments and damage the profession’s reputation.
During the address, the Chief Justice said, "Do not allow the speed of information to become your judgement. The most important currency of a lawyer is not money, not even knowledge. It is integrity." He emphasized that integrity is built over years and can be destroyed in a moment.
Justice Baffoe‑Bonnie, who also chairs the General Legal Council, noted that WhatsApp messages and headlines can cross borders before their accuracy is confirmed. "A video is uploaded, a headline is circulated, a claim is repeated, and suddenly thousands of people are forming opinions about facts they have neither verified nor witnessed," he warned. He urged the new lawyers to pause, verify information, read carefully and cross‑check facts before speaking publicly.
The Chief Justice also reminded the graduates that lawyers are not above the law and must resist accepting bribes or allowing political affiliations to override professional principles. He cautioned against carelessness in handling legal matters, stating that youth or inexperience does not excuse inadequate preparation. "Prepare your cases properly, know your facts and understand them; there is no substitute for preparation," he advised.
In addition to ethical guidance, Baffoe‑Bonnie advised the new attorneys to manage their finances prudently and build their professional reputations through patience and integrity. He concluded that by adhering to principles of integrity, diligence, respect, honesty and discipline, they would not only succeed in law but also dignify the profession.
The ceremony was attended by media personalities and Members of Parliament, including Sam George and Emmanuel Kofi Armah Buah. Akosua Achiaa Sarpong received the John Mensah Sarbah Award for the best all‑round performance in the Professional Law Examination and was also adjudged the best student in Civil Procedure.
Lawyers graduating this year will face a rapidly evolving legal landscape where misinformation can spread swiftly. The Chief Justice’s admonition serves as a timely reminder to uphold the profession’s standards and protect the public’s trust in the legal system.
