Baffoe Bonnie to New Lawyers: Don’t commercialize Justice

Acting Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie has issued a stirring call to newly enrolled lawyers to resist the commercialization of the legal profession and instead embrace their roles as custodians of justice and integrity.

Delivering the keynote address at a mini call to the Bar ceremony in Accra, where 123 newly qualified lawyers were officially admitted to practice, Justice Baffoe-Bonnie reminded the fresh graduates of the weighty responsibility now resting on their shoulders.

“It is a distinct honor and privilege to address you on this momentous occasion,” he began. “Today marks the culmination of years of hard work, perseverance and intellectual rigor. Your journey has not been easy — many of you juggled jobs, education, family, and difficult qualifying exams. But you have arrived.”

He cautioned against turning the legal profession into a self-serving enterprise. “Do not be tempted to turn the practice of law into a business for personal gain alone. Let me repeat this — do not be tempted to turn the practice of law into a business for personal gain only. It is a calling to service,” he said to a packed courtroom.

Justice Baffoe-Bonnie emphasized that the law is not merely a set of statutes but a “living framework” that governs society. He noted that each case handled by a lawyer has real-world implications, affecting lives, families, and communities — and potentially shaping the course of history.

“The Bar is not merely ceremonial,” he declared. “It is a covenant between you and the law, between you and society, between you and your conscience.”

Underscoring the ethical foundations of legal practice, he urged the new lawyers to uphold values of integrity, respect, and diligence — qualities he described as critical for building trust and professionalism in the justice system.

“Integrity is the bedrock of this profession. Respect must extend to clients, colleagues, seniors, and even adversaries. And diligence — the law is ever evolving, and your learning must never stop,” he said.

The Acting Chief Justice also reflected on systemic challenges facing Ghana’s legal system, including unequal access to justice, delayed case resolution, and wavering public confidence. He called on the new cohort to be agents of change and innovation.

“Volunteer your time, take on pro bono cases, and listen to the needs of your communities. The future of our legal system rests on your shoulders,” he urged.

Drawing on his 45 years of experience in the judiciary, Justice Baffoe-Bonnie ended with a powerful charge: “Let humility be your compass, learning your lifelong companion, and the truth your guide.”

As the newly minted lawyers took their oath and were added to the roll of legal practitioners, many expressed gratitude and a deepened sense of purpose.

The ceremony served not only as a rite of passage, but also as a solemn reminder that the practice of law is a public trust — one to be exercised with courage, compassion, and unwavering integrity.

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