Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Godfred Yeboah Dame, has charged lawyers to refrain from actions that could incite conflict and undermine Ghana's democratic process.

Addressing the Annual Bar Conference in Kumasi on the theme "Peaceful, Fair and Transparent Elections: The Key to Sustainable Democracy," Dame stressed the critical role lawyers play in safeguarding the nation’s peace and democratic integrity.

"We must steadfastly resist the dishonourable deeds of those who, without cause, sow seeds of doubt in the ability of the Electoral Commission to organize a credible election," Godfred Dame stated.

He called on legal professionals to "deplore, jettison, and without any reservation, reject rhetoric which fans the flames of conflict."

AG Dame underscored that while Ghana has made significant progress in consolidating democracy, "we cannot take that progress for granted."

He noted the importance of continuously discussing the values that underpin the nation's democracy and taking a firm stand against those who seek to disrupt the peace.

"Freedom is not free, and it is up to us – here and now – to ensure that the gains and triumphs of the past remain intact for generations of Ghanaians unborn," he stated.

The Attorney General criticised some lawyers who, through their media engagements and social media commentary, spread false information or disregard the legal profession's values.

"The spread of false information by lawyers, apart from being disreputable, poses a far greater threat to cohesion in society," he cautioned.

He reminded his colleagues that "technology did not eradicate ethics" and that lawyers have no business promoting election-related violence.

Godfred Dame highlighted the crucial role of the Electoral Commission in maintaining democracy, saying, "The Electoral Commission must live up to its constitutional mandate of providing the mechanism for the citizenry to express themselves through the conduct of credible and fair elections."

He commended the Commission for its handling of elections, particularly during the challenges posed by COVID-19 in 2020 when it delivered what he described as "an internationally affirmed free, fair, and perhaps, the most transparent elections since the inception of the Constitution in 1992."

Dame also called for support of the Judiciary, which he described as "central to our democracy," noting that judges often make difficult decisions that directly impact the electoral process.

"We have a duty to support the Judiciary and not to denigrate that important institution," he urged, adding that Ghana’s reputation for its justice system is built on "the independence, integrity of the Judiciary and the quality of judgments emanating from our courts."

The Attorney General concluded his speech with a call for unity within the legal profession, stressing the importance of a strong and cohesive Bar Association as a partner in nation-building.

"A fragmented bar is not in the interests of the Bar itself. Neither is it for society," he remarked, encouraging more inclusive participation in future Bar conferences.