Ghana Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie: New Lawyers Urged on Integrity

• Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie urged 1,568 new lawyers at the 63rd Call to the Bar in Ghana to verify information before public commentary.
• He emphasized that integrity, not money or knowledge, is a lawyer's most crucial asset, warning against rapid misinformation on digital platforms.
• Lawyers were advised to exercise professional restraint, avoid bribery, and prevent political affiliations from overriding ethical principles.
• The Chief Justice stressed diligent preparation for cases, stating that youth or inexperience does not excuse inadequate work.
• Akosua Achiaa Sarpong received the John Mensah Sarbah Award for best all-round performance in the Professional Law Examination.

The most important currency of a lawyer is not money, not even knowledge. It is integrity.

The 63rd Call to the Bar ceremony in Teshie, Accra, saw a record 1,568 newly qualified lawyers admitted to the legal profession on October 10, 2026. During this significant event, Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie delivered a crucial address, emphasizing the paramount importance of integrity and the diligent verification of information for all legal practitioners. His remarks underscored the challenges posed by the rapid dissemination of unverified content in the contemporary digital landscape.

Chief Justice Baffoe-Bonnie, who also chairs the Ghana General Legal Council, cautioned the new cohort against allowing the speed of information to dictate their judgment. He asserted that a lawyer's most valuable asset is not financial wealth or even knowledge, but rather an unblemished integrity. This core message set the tone for his comprehensive guidance on professional conduct in an era dominated by instant digital communication.

In his address, Chief Justice Baffoe-Bonnie specifically warned the new lawyers about the pervasive dangers of misinformation and the pitfalls of hasty public commentary. He highlighted how unverified information, such as videos uploaded, headlines circulated, or claims repeated on platforms like WhatsApp, can rapidly cross national borders, leading thousands to form opinions based on unconfirmed facts. The Chief Justice urged the legal professionals to distinguish themselves by pausing, meticulously verifying information, reading carefully, and cross-checking all facts before making any public statements.

He stressed that lawyers must recognize situations demanding professional restraint and refrain from commenting on matters without first establishing the truth. Furthermore, Justice Baffoe-Bonnie reminded the newly called lawyers that while integrity takes many years to cultivate, it can be irrevocably damaged in a very short period. He explicitly stated that legal professionals are not exempt from the law, advising them against accepting bribes or permitting political affiliations to compromise their professional principles.

Beyond ethical considerations, Chief Justice Baffoe-Bonnie offered practical advice for building a successful and reputable legal career. He cautioned against carelessness in handling legal matters, making it clear that neither youth nor inexperience would serve as an excuse for inadequate preparation. He strongly advocated for thorough case preparation, urging the lawyers to fully understand their facts, stating there is no substitute for such diligence.

The Chief Justice outlined a set of fundamental principles—integrity, diligence, respect, honesty, and discipline—positing that adherence to these values would not only ensure success in the legal field but also elevate the profession itself. He also advised the new practitioners on prudent financial management and the importance of patiently building their professional reputations through consistent integrity. The ceremony, which celebrated the largest group of lawyers called to the Bar, was attended by notable figures including media personalities and Members of Parliament Sam George and Emmanuel Kofi Armah Buah. Akosua Achiaa Sarpong was recognized with the John Mensah Sarbah Award for her outstanding all-round performance in the Professional Law Examination, also excelling as the best student in Civil Procedure.

Lawyers and compliance officers in Ghana should heed the Chief Justice's reminder on the critical importance of integrity, diligence, and fact-verification before public commentary, especially given the rapid spread of digital information. This reinforces the need for robust internal policies on professional conduct and public engagement to mitigate reputational and ethical risks.

Source: Original reporting via GNA.