Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, the Majority Chief Whip and President of the Ghana Law Society, has publicly criticized the Ghana Bar Association (GBA). He stated the GBA had no basis to respond to concerns raised by law firms regarding lawyer availability during proceedings on a petition against the Chief Justice. Mr. Dafeamekpor emphasized that the GBA's mandate covers individual lawyers, not law firms, which are separate legal entities.
Mr. Dafeamekpor made his comments on August 11, explaining that lawyers are licensed by the General Legal Council (GLC) to practice. Law firms, however, hold separate licenses. He argued that petitions from law firms, rather than individual lawyers, fall outside the GBA's purview. "GBA has no business responding to statements from non-members of the GBA," Mr. Dafeamekpor stated on Joy FM's Newsnite program.
This dispute highlights ongoing tensions within Ghana's legal fraternity regarding professional representation and advocacy. The GBA's role as a professional body for lawyers is central to these discussions. The legal sector is a significant component of Ghana's service economy, contributing to GDP through legal services and dispute resolution. This incident reflects broader debates about the scope of professional bodies' influence and their engagement with different stakeholders.
Mr. Dafeamekpor questioned the GBA's decision to engage with entities that are not direct members. He asked, "Are law firms that are complaining that their lawyers are not available, are they members of the GBA?" He maintained that individual lawyers with concerns should petition the Chief Justice directly, in their capacity as lawyers, not through their firms' letterheads. This distinction is crucial for understanding the GBA's membership structure and operational protocols.
The implications of this stance could redefine how professional bodies like the GBA interact with different legal entities. It may lead to clearer guidelines on who the GBA represents and whose grievances it addresses. Decision-makers within the legal community will likely consider these arguments when formulating future policies. The legal profession's integrity and its ability to function smoothly are vital for Ghana's judicial system and economic stability.
Mr. Dafeamekpor also challenged the substance of the complaints from law firms. He argued that firms with multiple lawyers should have arranged for alternative representation during the proceedings. He cited examples like the firms of Sam Okudzeto and lawyer Akyea, which reportedly have more than 20 and 15 lawyers, respectively. "How is it possible that none of these lawyers are able to work during the petition?" he questioned.
Drawing on his own extensive experience in legal proceedings, Mr. Dafeamekpor noted that senior lawyers often delegate tasks. They can ask senior associates or other lawyers within their firms to handle matters when they are occupied elsewhere. He dismissed suggestions that the lawyers' participation in the petition created an unusual situation for the affected law firms. "My suspicion here is that there's nothing untoward in this matter," Mr. Dafeamekpor concluded, describing the GBA's position as "pure politics."