The Attorney General, Godfred Dame, says there have been attempts by some lawyers to denigrate the judiciary and undermine public confidence in the justice system.

According to him, sometimes when cases are pending, some of these lawyers try to create a prejudiced impression in the minds of Ghanaians while some misrepresent the effects of court rulings through “mischievous” analysis on radio, TV and social media platforms.

Delivering a speech at the Annual General Conference of the Ghana Bar Association in Bolgatanga Monday, Mr Dame said “these practices are vicious and misguided, to say the least. It holds true that the arena for the lawyer to test the strength of his reasoning or the validity of his argument is in the courtroom, and not the airwaves or modern-day social media.”

Some of these comments, he said are inspired by a vile motive to run down the Judiciary.

Citing an example, he said that unwarranted attacks were mounted against him and a judge after he successfully led the prosecution of an application to set aside the $15million judgment debt as a result of the activities of the erstwhile Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining about two years ago.

Mr Dame said that some lawyers suggested, “rather preposterously and absurdly, that the Judge in question should be removed from office.”

“How ridiculous! It is as if they revel in judgments or rulings against the State, and when same are successfully challenged, it is disappointment galore for them.”

However, as long as Mr Dame remains Attorney General, the State will zealously protect its interest in litigation, just as private legal practitioners will protect the interests of their clients," he said.

He added that the responsibility for a fair and effective administration of the laws of the Republic of Ghana is a product of the collective efforts of all.

“Throughout the history of Ghana, the Judiciary has served us well in its capacity to develop fundamental principles and give life to the aspirations of the citizen."

"It is no time to destroy same beyond redemption, or to, may I borrow the words of Lord Toulson at this stage, ‘to give it a funeral oration’.”

Read Mr Dame's full speech:

https://www.myjoyonline.com/full-text-godfred-dames-speech-at-ongoing-gba-annual-general-conference-in-bolga/

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