South Dayi Member of Parliament, Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, alongside private legal practitioner Israel Tetteh and the Ghana Law Society, has filed a constitutional lawsuit at the Supreme Court, contesting the exclusive recognition of the Ghana Bar Association (GBA).
The plaintiffs argue that the 1992 Constitution's reference to the GBA should not be interpreted as granting a monopoly over the legal profession in Ghana. According to the writ, the phrase "Ghana Bar Association" should encompass all legitimate lawyer associations operating in the country.
“Any interpretation that grants the current Ghana Bar Association exclusive powers, rights, or privileges violates Articles 17 and 21(1)(e) of the Constitution,” the suit states.
Speaking to the media after filing the suit, Mr. Dafeamekpor clarified their stance:
“We are not opposed to the existence of the GBA. What we oppose is the idea that one private association should be treated as the only legitimate voice for lawyers in Ghana.”
The legal team is asking the Supreme Court to:
- Declare that the GBA does not hold sole authority over legal practitioners in Ghana;
- Prevent the GBA from portraying itself as the country’s only legal association;
- Affirm that all legally formed associations of lawyers are entitled to equal constitutional recognition.
Israel Tetteh added:
“Freedom of association means lawyers are free to form or join any legal group, and those groups deserve equal status and recognition.”
The suit marks a significant moment in the ongoing conversation around legal pluralism and professional representation within Ghana’s legal framework.
Source: MyNewsGh.com
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