Deputy AG Accuses GBA Of Selective Justice Over Chief Justice Remarks

Deputy Attorney-General Dr Justice Srem-Sai has fired back at the Ghana Bar Association, questioning its independence and consistency after it described Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie's comments as political.

The GBA President, Efua Ghartey, at the Bar Conference 2026/27 in Ada on Monday, September 15, said the Chief Justice's remarks during a visit to the Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF) on September 2 were inappropriate. The Chief Justice had praised MIIF and other state institutions under the Mahama administration, saying developments there made him wonder what Ghana had been doing over the previous eight years.

Speaking on an Accra- based FM station on Monday, Dr Srem-Sai said the issue was not whether the comment was political, but whether the GBA applied its standards equally.

"The point that we made at the conference is that when it comes to independence or when it comes to consistency, the leadership of the Ghana Bar Association leaves much to be desired," he said.

"Independence is not a presumed conference," he added, saying it must be demonstrated by actions.

He accused the GBA of selective criticism: "If the Ghana Bar Association is of the view that Chief Justices should not make comments that are seen as political, then anytime a Chief Justice or any judge makes such a comment, then the Ghana Bar Association should condemn it. But to condemn some and not condemn others, that is where the issue is."

"So, our point is that if you decide to be quiet, then be prepared throughout. If you decide to talk, then talk throughout."

Delivering Attorney General Dr Dominic Ayine's statement at the conference, Dr Srem-Sai said: "Not a bar that flips on principles but a bar that is consistent. Not a bar that keeps its distance from public life and discourse but one that keeps its distance from political convenience."

The GBA Deputy General Secretary, Saviour Kudze, had rejected the claims, insisting: "Ghana Bar Association is not a political institution. It's an association of lawyers, professional lawyers."

He said the GBA had criticised both Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin and NDC MP Sosu in the past, proving neutrality.

By Regina Acquaye