Lawyers who misconduct themselves to be disciplined

Chief Justice Edward K Wiredu, on Friday said lawyers who misconduct themselves and tarnish the image of the legal profession would be disciplined.

"The General Legal Council (GLC) now has powers to discipline lawyers who misconduct themselves and whose behaviour could tarnish the good image of the noble profession", he said


Mr Justice Wiredu said this when 12 new lawyers including two ladies, were called to the bar at a ceremony at the Supreme Court.


Chief Justice Wiredu who is also Chairman of the GLC pointed out that following recommendations made to the Council three lawyers in Ghana have been sanctioned.


He said their names would be published in due course in the local dailies together with the nature of punishment meted out to them.


He reminded the new lawyers that they could achieve heights in the profession by going strictly to the professional ethics of the legal fraternity.


Mr Justice Wiredu urged them to read copies of the code of ethics of the profession to guide them in all matters relating to how to behave as lawyers, with their colleagues, clients and in court.

He said as new lawyers, they should to accept to work in the rural communities and deprived areas, if their employment or work demanded that.


He cautioned them not only to stand by the truth but also be honest in all their endeavours to hold the dignity of the profession high.


"You have an overriding duty to be law abiding yourselves in a sense, you are the role model for a number of persons since you will be consulted by clients and other people on a number of issues for advise, and that whatever you may say definitely will carry a great weight", he said.


The Chief Justice advised that lawyers should constantly do research to be abreast with the law.


Present were Paapa Owusu Ankomah, Minister of Justice and Attorney General and Mr Paul Adu Gyamfi, President of the Ghana Bar Association (GBA).