Acting Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie on Friday administered the oath of office to 824 newly qualified lawyers, urging them to uphold the highest standards of ethics and integrity as they enter the legal profession.
He charged the new lawyers to serve with humility, compassion, and a deep sense of duty toward the vulnerable in society.
The ceremony, held at the Accra International Conference Centre, marked one of the largest calls to the Bar in recent years, reflecting the growing demand for legal services in Ghana’s expanding economy.
According to the General Legal Council, the number of lawyers in Ghana has risen from just over 2,000 in 2010 to more than 6,500 in 2024.
However, the country still maintains a ratio of about one lawyer per 5,000 citizens, far below the Commonwealth average.
Addressing the gathering of judicial officers, dignitaries, and families, Justice Baffoe-Bonnie reminded the new lawyers that their profession is rooted in service, not self-interest.
He encouraged them to act as defenders of justice for those without a voice.
“You have chosen a path that demands courage, but it is a path that leads to purpose and fulfillment,” he said. “Congratulations again, our newly qualified lawyers. May you serve with humility and purpose, and above all, let your integrity shine.”
The Chief Justice’s remarks come amid growing concerns about access to justice for disadvantaged communities.
A 2023 report by the Legal Aid Commission found that more than 70 percent of Ghanaians in rural areas lack adequate legal representation, underscoring the urgency of expanding legal access.
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie also addressed ongoing debates surrounding legal education reform, noting that while calls for broader access are legitimate, quality must not be compromised.
He cautioned that expansion in numbers should go hand in hand with maintaining rigorous academic and ethical standards.
“We must ensure that the reforms we seek do not merely increase enrollment but also strengthen the purpose of legal education in Ghana for the 21st century,” he said.
The General Legal Council has recently introduced curriculum reforms and continuous professional development requirements to prepare lawyers for emerging issues such as digital transformation, international trade, and human rights law.
The ceremony also highlighted Ghana’s growing legal diversity. Among those called to the Bar was Chienchun Chen, a 47-year-old Taiwanese national whose achievement drew applause from guests and symbolized the international appeal of Ghana’s legal education system.
As the 824 new lawyers begin their professional journeys, they join a justice system that handled more than 35,000 cases in 2023.
The Acting Chief Justice’s message, centered on integrity, service, and empathy, resonated as a call to action for the next generation of lawyers to champion justice for all Ghanaians.
Source: Adomonline
ALSO READ: