Chief Justice, Her Ladyship Gertrude Araba Esaaba Torkornoo, has expressed serious concern over the rising number of legal practitioners being reported to the General Legal Council’s (GLC) Disciplinary Committee for unethical conduct.

Speaking at the 2024/2025 Annual General Conference of the Ghana Bar Association, she warned against the growing trend of lawyers prioritizing wealth accumulation over ethical standards, a shift she described as alarming.

In her address, Justice Torkornoo lamented that an increasing number of lawyers are facing disciplinary actions for failing to uphold professional ethics, particularly in their dealings with clients.

“I must also, very unhappily, refer to the consistently increasing numbers of lawyers that are referred to the Disciplinary Committee of the General Legal Council for unethical practices against their clients,” she stated.

The Chief Justice emphasized that the legal profession should not be viewed as a fast track to wealth, but rather as a noble calling that requires integrity, dedication, and a strong moral compass. She criticized the notion that becoming a lawyer guarantees early financial success, urging practitioners to see their roles as guardians of the law first and foremost.

“There seems to be an untoward notion that the law is the root of becoming rich early. However, as officers and guardians of law, I implore lawyers to appreciate their sacred role and reduce the treatment of the law only as an avenue for wealth creation,” she stressed.

In response to these concerns, Justice Torkornoo revealed that the General Legal Council is working closely with the Council of Law Deans to introduce a stronger focus on legal ethics within law school curricula. This, she believes, will instill ethical principles in young lawyers from the outset of their training.

“The General Legal Council is actively working, engaging the Council of Law Deans, concerning the mainstreaming of the study of legal ethics at the faculty level,” she disclosed.

Justice Torkornoo concluded by urging lawyers to reflect on the critical role they play in society and to prioritize integrity over financial motives.