Dafeamekpor slams reported GBA resolution over CJ suspension, warns against interference in sub judice case

Member of Parliament for South Dayi, Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, has criticised the leadership of the Ghana Bar Association (GBA) over reports that it has passed a resolution demanding a reversal of the presidential warrant suspending Chief Justice Gertrude Torkonoo.

In a strongly worded public statement, Mr. Dafeamekpor described the reported resolution as “patently contumacious” and cautioned the GBA against interfering in a matter currently pending before the Supreme Court.

“If news that the Ghana Bar Association has passed a resolution to demand that the President reverses the warrant of suspension of CJ Torkonoo is accurate, then the leadership of the Ghana Bar Association must be ashamed,” he stated. “This case is presently before the Supreme Court.”

He questioned why the GBA, which regularly urges lawyers to uphold the independence of the judiciary, would engage in conduct that appears to undermine the very institution it claims to protect.

Citing Regulation 89(c) of the Legal Profession (Professional Conduct & Etiquette) Rules, 2020 (L.I. 2423), the MP reminded lawyers that it is professional misconduct to engage in any conduct that is prejudicial to the administration of justice.

He warned that the alleged resolution could prejudice the outcome of the ongoing case and accused the GBA of partisanship.

“What the GBA leadership is engaged in is an affront to the administration of justice and has the propensity to torpedo the independence of the judiciary they ostensibly seek to protect,” he said.

Mr. Dafeamekpor urged President John Mahama to disregard what he described as an “illicit public call” by the GBA leadership, asserting that “it is better for a law to be wrong than for a wrong to be law.”

The outspoken legislator, who is also a legal practitioner and Majority Chief Whip in Parliament, made the comments via his official X (formerly Twitter) account, @etsedafeamekpor.

The Ghana Bar Association has yet to officially respond to the concerns raised.