Law students urged to prioritise character and compassion alongside legal knowledge

The Group Chairman of Oswal Investments Group, Humphrey Awuletey-Williams, has urged law students to complement their legal knowledge with strong character, wisdom and compassion as they prepare for careers in the legal profession.

Speaking at the second edition of the Ellen Awuletey Justice Moot Court Session Competition, held at the UPSA Law School on Thursday, October 29, 2026, he stressed the importance of developing strong values alongside legal expertise.

The competition's panel comprised Supreme Court Justice Kwaku T Ackaah-Boafo, who presided as the central justice; retired Court of Appeal Justice Saeed Gyan, seated on the left; and lawyer Ruby Aglagoh, seated on the right.

“I want to remind our dear students that they are preparing to occupy a position of significant responsibility in society and not just studying law,” Awuletey-Williams said.

He noted that when they graduate as lawyers, they would be expected to defend the rights of individuals who need justice, stressing that their conduct and values would be just as important as their understanding of the law.

“One day, all of you will become important advocates of the law, and people will come to you when their rights have been violated. When that time comes, your knowledge of the law will be important, but your character and compassion will be tested,” he said.

The competition, named after Ellen Awuletey, is sponsored by her son, Humphrey Awuletey-Williams, in honour of her belief in the value of education.

He said that although his mother did not receive formal education, her life was defined by wisdom and an unwavering belief in the importance of education.

“Ellen Awuletey, whose life, though not adorned with formal education, was defined by wisdom and an unrelenting belief in the value of education,” he said.

According to him, his mother's wish was for one of her children to become a lawyer, a dream that was sadly never realised.

He explained that her story had inspired him to support aspiring lawyers and help them achieve their dreams of studying law and being called to the Bar.

Awuletey-Williams further underscored the distinction between knowledge and wisdom, describing both as essential qualities that should guide individuals in their daily lives and professional responsibilities.

“One of the things I believe in is that knowledge and wisdom are two different values, and each one is very important in our daily lives,” he said.

He encouraged the students to cultivate habits necessary for effective legal practice, including careful listening, thorough research and sound reasoning.

“Learn to listen, learn to research and learn to reason to defend the principles of fairness and to ensure that the law remains the law,” he advised.

He concluded by wishing the participating students well in the competition, which provides aspiring legal practitioners with an opportunity to develop their advocacy, research and reasoning skills.