GBA challenges Judiciary, Executive on constitutional limits

The Ghana Bar Association (GBA) has criticized the Judiciary and Executive branches for exceeding the boundaries set by the 1992 Constitution, according to its President, Efua Ghartey. During the GBA's annual conference in Ada, Ghartey expressed concerns about Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie's comments, which she alleged were inappropriate for a judge.

The conference, themed "150 Years of Ghana's Legal Evolution: Transforming the Profession and Driving Its Future with Industry," brought together legal professionals, industry leaders, and traditional authorities. Ghartey emphasized that the Judiciary's independence necessitates adherence to constitutional limits and warned against any partisan engagement.

She highlighted an unreported Supreme Court decision that judges must maintain political neutrality. The GBA also criticized the Judicial Secretary's response to these concerns as inadequate. In addition to addressing the Judiciary and Executive, the GBA discussed broader issues of constitutional governance, human rights, and the administration of justice.

They called for bail conditions to comply strictly with Article 14 of the Constitution, proposed a Human Rights Watch Committee, and pledged to continue monitoring the work of the Constitutional Review Committee. The Association renewed its call for the government to activate a court-alert application for lawyers and defended its welfare initiatives, including a Welfare Fund exceeding GH¢10 million and a new medical insurance scheme.

While the Attorney-General's Deputy, Dr Justice Srem-Sai, raised concerns about the GBA's proximity to political power, the Chief Justice, through Justice Anthony Forson, urged the Bar to remain apolitical.