The Ghana Bar Association (GBA) has firmly dismissed claims by Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, that the Association has shown partisan bias in its advocacy work and been selective in its public positions.
Speaking at the opening of the GBA’s Annual General Conference on Monday, September 15, 2025, Dr. Ayine accused the Bar of inconsistency in its responses to Article 146 petitions, which have led to the removal of prominent public officials. He cited the dismissals of former CHRAJ Commissioner Lauretta Lamptey in 2015, former Electoral Commission Chair Charlotte Osei in 2018, and former Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo earlier this year, arguing that the Bar was silent on the first two cases but outspoken on the latter—suggesting political bias.
In response, GBA Public Relations Officer Saviour Kudze rejected the Attorney-General’s assertions, stressing the Association’s commitment to principle rather than partisanship. “The Bar’s position is clear—we respectfully disagree with him,” Kudze said.
He explained that the removal of Lauretta Lamptey and Charlotte Osei occurred under Article 146 when no formal regulations existed, and similar removals of superior court judges proceeded in the same way. Kudze emphasized that the GBA’s current push for formal regulations to guide Article 146 is about strengthening due process and constitutional governance—not political alignment.
“If, as a society, we are now deciding to formalise this process and the Bar is advocating for clear regulations, what is partisan about that?” Kudze asked. “The fact that you didn’t take a certain decision yesterday doesn’t mean you can’t take it today or tomorrow. We disagree with him.”
The GBA reiterated that its advocacy is focused on institutional maturity and the protection of constitutional order, not the advancement of any political agenda.
Source: Apexnewsgh.com
