Yaw Acheampong Boafo
THE GHANA Bar Association (GBA) has thrown its support behind the Chief Justice’s directive for all courts to call cases in order of seniority of lawyers appearing before them.
According to a statement signed by its National President, Yaw Acheampong Boafo, the GBA said the age-old tradition presents a unique and special opportunity for lawyers, particularly those relatively young at the bar, to learn from the rich experience of senior lawyers.
“The GBA fully and completely associates itself with the subject matter under reference, and lends full support to the adherence to the age-old tradition and practice among members of the legal fraternity, especially courtroom practitioners, of calling cases of persons whose names are on the roll of lawyers, in order of seniority of enrolment, notwithstanding the notion of equality at the bar,” the statement stressed.
The statement also indicated that the directive on calling cases in order of seniority of lawyers has the huge potential of benefiting people who hire the services of lawyers, as the practice affords lawyers, especially young lawyers, the unbridled opportunity of honing their lawyering skills.
The statement, however, indicated that it has taken note of the various comments and opinions expressed by different persons, particularly persons who have not been called to the bar in Ghana, and therefore, do not practise in the courts of Ghana on the Chief Justice’s directive.
The statement said “courtroom practice in Ghana, and for that matter the legal profession in Ghana, is characterised by certain revered age-old traditions, ceremonies, and practices, which must not be done away with or compromised under any circumstances.”
It indicated that the directive by the Chief Justice to all trial judges per the circular dated March 22, 2022, is also the decision of the General Legal Council.
It, therefore, implored all lawyers who practise in the courts of Ghana to fully cooperate with trial judges in upholding the age-old tradition and practice, as lawyers stand a great chance of benefiting immensely from same, “especially, so far as the right to call a case out of turn is not absolute, and is exercisable subject to the convenience of the court.”
BY Gibril Abdul Razak