Being a judge prevents you from acting as a lawyer – Supreme Court nominee explains

Supreme Court nominee Justice Sophia Essah has emphasized that, according to the Constitution of Ghana, an individual cannot simultaneously serve as a lawyer and a judge.

During her vetting on Tuesday, August 13, 2024, Justice Essah highlighted the distinct roles of these professions, stating that once a person becomes a judge, they can no longer practice as a lawyer.

"You cannot be in this country as a lawyer and at the same time, a judge. Because the work of a lawyer is different from a judge. I cannot go and be an advocate, have clients, or represent anyone in court. That is the work of a lawyer, and so once I became a judge, I could no longer be a lawyer even though I have legal professional knowledge and background,” myjoyonline.com quoted her to have said during the vetting.

Her comments were in response to a question from Mahama Ayariga, the National Democratic Congress MP for Bawku Central.

Ayariga is reported to have pointed out that the Constitution requires a Supreme Court judge to have at least 15 years of standing as a lawyer, along with high moral character and proven integrity.

AM/EK

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