By Alex Ababio
In a bold move to uphold the integrity of the legal profession, Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo of Ghana has waded in the controversial rejection of individuals with “obscene” and “offensive” behavior seeking admission to the bar.
During her address at the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration – GIMPA Law Faculty, Justice Gertrude Torkornoo highlighted the qualifications for the bar, emphasizing that certain conduct would disqualify a person.
She expressed surprise at the controversy surrounding the admission of specific individuals to the bar, finding it interesting that such conduct is considered appropriate in the legal sector.
“I was surprised at the furore that rose up concerning the call to the bar of certain people and i thought , like seriously,this is proper conduct for legal sector.That’s interesting…”
Nevertheless, she emphasized that admission to the legal sector requires maintaining a demeanor that is not obscene or offensive.
” Anyway ,so for you to come into our space ,and to come into the space of the legal sector ,your conduct cannot be obscene and offensive and you expect that you would be admitted.It doesn’t work like that”
In addition, Justice Torkornoo stressed the critical impact of social media comments and ex parte communications for judges.
In November 2022, a Ghana School of Law student, widely known as “Ama Governor” on social media, was denied admission to the bar due to a petition filed with the General Legal Council regarding her behavior on social media shortly before the bar call.