The Chief Justice, Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, has called on newly enrolled lawyers to uphold truth and integrity in their professional lives, cautioning against the temptation to prioritise convenience over honesty.
Addressing the new entrants, he underscored the ethical demands of legal practice, reminding them that the profession is grounded in sound judgment rather than empty assurances.
“The practice of law is not a business of promises. It is a discipline of judgment. Do not guarantee outcomes you cannot control.
“A client may be disappointed by the truth, but they will be far more harmed by deception. And you will damage yourself more by the habit of convenient lies than by the courage of telling difficult truths,” he said.
The lawyers were formally enrolled in line with Section 7 of the Legal Profession Act, 1960 (Act 32).
In what he described as a significant policy change, the Chief Justice announced the scrapping of the long-standing separation between the “main call” and the “mini call” to the Bar. He noted that the dual-track system had, over time, created an unnecessary hierarchy within the profession. Going forward, prospective lawyers will have the option to be called either in October or March, without any implied difference in status.
“A person called to the Bar is called to the Bar fully, finally, and without qualification,” he stated, adding that the timing of one’s call should be seen purely as an administrative matter, not a measure of worth.
Touching on the recently passed Legal Education Reform Bill, 2026, the Chief Justice indicated that the new policy direction is aimed at broadening access to legal education while preserving professional standards.
He assured that although more opportunities would be created under the reforms, the quality of training and practice would not be compromised.
He further urged the new lawyers to embody five key virtues: integrity, diligence, respect for the courts, honesty, and personal discipline.
While acknowledging the demanding nature of legal work, long hours, complex decisions, and personal sacrifice, he described the profession as one of purpose and responsibility.
According to him, it offers “the opportunity to stand between power and vulnerability, between order and disorder, and between right and wrong.”
He further encouraged them to remain anchored in these principles throughout their careers, as they navigate the challenges and expectations of legal practice.
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