A new book detailing the legal framework and practice of notaries public in Ghana has been launched at Wesley Towers in Accra.

The event took place on Thursday, March 27, 2025, drawing prominent legal professionals, academics, and key stakeholders.

The book, titled Notaries Public Practice in Ghana: The Law, Cases, and Materials and authored by legal practitioner and researcher Daniel Yaw Abaidoo, is the first of its kind to provide an in-depth examination of notarial practice within Ghana's legal framework.

It aims to enhance understanding among legal professionals, notaries public, judges, court officials, law students, and the general public on the functions, regulations, and significance of the notarial profession in Ghana.

Speaking at the launch, Mr Abaidoo shared that his inspiration for writing the book was driven by his deep interest in the subject of notarial practice, his desire to understand its role in the Ghanaian judicial system, and the need to provide a reference guide for legal practitioners.

According to him, the book provides clear guidance on the legal regime governing notarial practice, detailing the laws, regulations, and ethical considerations that guide notaries public in Ghana.

It also serves as an essential resource for judges, magistrates, commissioners for oaths, conveyancers, and administrators of the law.

"We have in our hands today, a treatise on the subject of notaries public practice with the Ghanaian jurisprudential flavour, contextualising and expounding on the relevant distinct Ghanaian laws, regulations and requirements, which impact on notary public practice within our jurisdiction," he stated.

Mr Abaidoo expressed gratitude to Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo, who wrote the book’s foreword.

He lauded her for her commitment to legal education and her invaluable support in the publication process.

Represented at the event by Justice Richard Apietu, Chief Justice Torkornoo praised the book as a much-needed addition to Ghana’s legal literature.

The Chief Justice noted that while legal scholarship in Ghana has expanded over the years, no dedicated book on notarial practice had been published until now.

"What is noticeable in the landscape of legal scholarship is the absence of a book contextualised and dedicated to the practice of the notary in Ghana. The absence of a book on notarial practice in the Ghanaian legal system landscape is a lacuna that has been crying to be filled. And I am delighted that the author has labored to fill this vacuum," she stated.

She described the book as an invaluable resource that would enhance the administration of justice, strengthen notarial services, and align Ghanaian practice with global standards.

"This is a welcome addition to the evolving and growing number of treatises on legal practice and procedural practice informed by Ghanaian jurisprudence. It is the first of its kind by an author within our jurisdiction, contextualised on Ghana jurisprudence, and informed by the standards and requirements of global notarial practice.

“The book is an answer to dispel any confused conceptions on the work of the notary in our jurisdiction. It will help to dispel doubts, and to inform and educate the legal fraternity of the broad scope of the practices of the notary,” the Chief Justice said.

The Founding Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Cape Coast, Prof. Philip Ebow Bondzi-Simpson, reviewed the book.

He underscored the book’s significance in enhancing legal education, guiding notaries, and upholding professional standards.

Following the review, Justice Richard Apietu officially unveiled the book, and an auction was held. The first copy was sold for GH₵20,000, with other copies going for GH₵10,000, GH₵5,000, and GH₵3,000.