Ghana Bar Association calls for revocation of Chief Justice suspension, action on galamsey, others
The Ghana Bar Association (GBA) has issued a series of strong resolutions following its 2025 Mid-Year Conference held at the Labadi Beach Hotel in Accra on Saturday, April 26, addressing major concerns affecting the legal profession and national governance.
At the heart of the resolutions was a call for the immediate revocation of the suspension of the Chief Justice.
The GBA described the suspension as unconstitutional, arguing that the President acted without a Constitutional Instrument or statutory regulations as required under Article 296 of the 1992 Constitution.
The Association further urged the enactment of comprehensive regulations to govern proceedings under Article 146, particularly those involving the removal or impeachment of Superior Court judges.
The GBA also called on the President to release the full decision establishing a prima facie case against the Chief Justice, citing the importance of transparency and adherence to established precedent. Additionally, the Association condemned politically motivated and unsubstantiated commentary aimed at undermining the independence of the Judiciary, and vowed to protect the integrity of the judicial system from undue interference.
On matters directly affecting the legal profession, the GBA called for the withdrawal of a directive issued by the Acting Chief Justice regarding the assignment of courts and fixing of dates for newly filed cases.
It stated that the directive created uncertainty and recommended a return to the use of technology in managing case assignments to enhance justice delivery.
The Association also addressed key national issues, beginning with illegal mining, or galamsey. The GBA condemned the widespread environmental destruction caused by galamsey and called for immediate and sustained action by government, law enforcement, and stakeholders. It urged the Judiciary to expedite hearings of galamsey-related cases and ensure offenders are punished in accordance with the law.
Turning to the protracted Bawku conflict, the GBA expressed concern over the ongoing violence and its impact on lives and property.
It commended the mediation efforts led by the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, and called on all parties involved to support and respect the outcomes of the mediation process.
The Association pledged its commitment to using its platform to advocate for peace and support any legal measures necessary to restore stability in Bawku.
Finally, the GBA addressed the unresolved parliamentary elections in the Ablekuma North Constituency. Despite residents participating in the December 7, 2024 elections, no Member of Parliament has been declared for the area.
The Association called on the Electoral Commission, the Ghana Police Service, and relevant authorities to complete the collation and declaration process to uphold the democratic rights of the people of Ablekuma North.
The resolutions reaffirm the Ghana Bar Association’s commitment to upholding the rule of law, ensuring judicial independence, and contributing to national development through legal and constitutional advocacy.
