Young lawyers urged to embrace integrity, innovation and leadership

Young lawyers and law students have been urged to prepare for the changing demands of the legal profession by embracing integrity, continuous learning, innovation, and active leadership in national development.

The call was made at the 2026 Law Students’ Network (LSN) Leadership and Law Series held on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at the ISSER Conference Centre of the University of Ghana, Legon, under the theme: “Beyond the Classroom: Winning in Law and Politics.”

The event brought together prominent legal practitioners, political leaders, and students to discuss opportunities in legal practice, ethical leadership, women’s participation in governance, and mentorship for the next generation of lawyers.

Former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Godfred Dame addressed participants, highlighting the historic relationship between law and politics in Ghana.

He noted that the country’s constitutional development, governance systems and democratic institutions have all been shaped by legal processes and the contributions of lawyers.

Dame encouraged students to appreciate the broader national role of lawyers beyond litigation, saying the profession remains central to safeguarding democracy, protecting rights and ensuring accountable leadership.

Chairman of the Constitutional and Legal Affairs Committee of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Frank Davies Esq., told participants that qualification from law school and being called to the Bar should not be seen as the peak of a legal career.

According to him, admission to the Bar only marks the beginning of professional life, where young lawyers must prove themselves through competence, discipline and strategic planning.

“It is an important milestone in the life of a lawyer. However, it is a mistake to assume that being called to the Bar is the end. The real challenges begin after enrolment when young lawyers must test their professionalism and build sustainable careers,” he stated.

Davies noted that the legal profession in Ghana has evolved far beyond traditional courtroom litigation, with growing opportunities in banking and finance, taxation, natural resources law, intellectual property, technology law, international arbitration, environmental law and human rights advocacy.

Second Deputy Minority Chief Whip, Jerry Ahmed Shaib, who spoke on behalf of Minority Leader Osahen Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, urged future lawyers to remain firm and principled despite political pressure.

He warned that public confidence in governance and justice is undermined when leaders compromise values or defend wrongdoing for convenience.

“We are all seeing politicians who proclaim faith in our values while defending corruption or flipping on principle and convenience,” he said.

Aide to former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, Fatimatu Abubakar, called for stronger inclusion of women in politics and leadership, arguing that social, cultural, and economic barriers continue to restrict female participation.

She shared personal reflections on her own journey into politics and encouraged young women not to be discouraged by lack of networks or opportunities.

“For the ladies who are uncertain about why they should be in politics, this message is for you,” she said.

Abubakar stressed that national development requires collaboration between men and women and that governance cannot be effective when women are underrepresented in decision-making spaces.

She also cited global research showing that greater gender equality in economic participation significantly boosts national productivity and growth.

Meanwhile, the Law Students’ Network announced the disbursement of scholarships to 61 beneficiaries under its 2026 Scholarship Scheme.

The support package includes full payment of Professional Examination fees for some students, while others received funding equivalent to one term’s school fees.









AM

Dr Nyaho Nyaho-Tamakloe on Ghana's past, present and the road ahead