Deputy Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Alfred Tuah-Yeboah, has dismissed claims that the Ghana Bar Association (GBA) considers the political leanings of individuals before electing them to serve in its executive positions. His remarks come amid growing concerns over the perceived politicization of various professional bodies in Ghana, including the GBA.
Speaking to journalists during the election of Efua Ghartey as the first female President of the GBA in Kumasi, Alfred Tuah-Yeboah described these assertions as unfounded and baseless. He emphasized that the GBA does not function as a political entity and that such claims are without merit.
“I think that such remarks [of GBA being a political entity] have no basis. If you come to the Ghana Bar Association, we have people belonging to various political parties. When it comes to elections, we do not consider political leanings. When it comes to elections, we look at individuals. We look at competence,” Tuah-Yeboah stated.
He further explained that the association focuses on the qualifications and capabilities of the candidates rather than their political affiliations. “We look at how those people can deliver and all those who contested, they are members that I can say have their records of qualification,” he added.
Tuah-Yeboah reiterated that the GBA is a non-political body, even though its members may have their own political affiliations. “It is not about being political; the BAR is non-political, even though members have their political parties that they belong to. But we have never run this association as a political party,” he concluded.
His comments are in response to the ongoing debate surrounding the role of politics in the leadership of professional organizations in Ghana, where there has been increasing concern that political affiliations may influence the selection of leaders. The Deputy Attorney General’s remarks aim to dispel any misconceptions regarding the operations of the GBA and reaffirm the association’s commitment to neutrality and professional excellence.
The election of Efua Ghartey as the first female President of the Ghana Bar Association marks a historic moment for the organization. Her election has been viewed by many as a progressive step for the association, demonstrating its openness and inclusiveness. As the GBA continues to navigate the challenges of maintaining a non-political stance in a highly polarized environment, its leadership remains committed to upholding its values of fairness, transparency, and professionalism.
Despite the concerns raised by some quarters, Tuah-Yeboah’s assurances highlight the association’s focus on merit-based selection and the professional credentials of its members. His remarks aim to reinforce the perception of the GBA as an impartial body, driven by a commitment to legal excellence and the rule of law, rather than political considerations.
The Deputy Attorney General’s statement underscores the importance of maintaining professional integrity within the GBA and ensuring that its leadership remains above political influence. His comments also serve as a reminder of the need to preserve the independence of professional bodies in Ghana, allowing them to fulfill their roles without undue interference or bias.
As the GBA moves forward under the leadership of its first female president, it faces the challenge of maintaining its credibility and independence in a climate where the politicization of professional bodies remains a contentious issue. Nonetheless, the association’s commitment to fairness and merit-based leadership selection provides a solid foundation for navigating these challenges.
Alfred Tuah-Yeboah’s remarks are a clear repudiation of any claims that the GBA’s elections are influenced by political considerations. By reiterating the association’s non-political stance, he seeks to assure the public and its members that the GBA remains dedicated to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and impartiality.
