Joyce Bawah Mogtari urges lawyers to uphold integrity in Ghana’s justice system

Joyce Bawah Mogtari, Senior Presidential Advisor to President John Dramani Mahama, has emphasised that Ghana’s justice system relies not just on lawyers’ legal knowledge but on their integrity, professional growth and dedication. In a Facebook post after the Ghana Law Society’s Bar Conference, she said the event gave legal practitioners a chance to reflect, share ideas and plan the future of their profession. She stressed that character and commitment are as essential as technical skill for those entrusted with upholding the law. Mogtari urged continued investment in a legal profession that can meet Ghana’s evolving needs while maintaining high standards. She congratulated the Ghana Law Society and participants for creating what she described as a meaningful dialogue. The senior aide believes the discussions from the conference will help sustain efforts to build a profession focused on justice and the public good.

The call for higher ethical standards comes at a time when public confidence in institutions is being tested by high-profile cases and allegations of corruption. In her view, lawyers, as custodians of the law, must model the behaviours they expect to see in society. By prioritising continual learning and professional excellence, the legal community can better serve ordinary Ghanaians who depend on fair and timely justice. The senior aide’s remarks were posted on her personal Facebook page, where she publicly praised the conference for bringing together diverse voices within the legal fraternity.

Mogtari’s appeal is part of a broader push for reforms in the legal sector, including calls from civil‑society groups to tighten oversight of court cases and improve accountability. Critics have pointed out that without genuine commitment from lawyers, even well‑structured laws may fail to deliver outcomes for citizens. The senior aide therefore urged policymakers, law firms and training institutions to support initiatives that sharpen the competence and moral fibre of practitioners. She believes such measures will enable lawyers to respond effectively to emerging challenges such as cyber‑related offences and complex commercial disputes.

The message resonated with many attendees who felt the conference had sparked important conversations about the path forward. By highlighting the link between personal integrity and national justice, she reinforced expectations that legal professionals must embody the values they defend. The call for sustained investment in the legal profession is expected to influence future training programmes and funding priorities. Observers say this could lead to more robust mechanisms for monitoring ethical breaches.

Mogtari said the conference conversations should help sustain efforts to build a legal profession committed to justice and the public good.