Martin Kpebu urges lawyer-politicians to prioritize ethics over party loyalty

Private legal practitioner Martin Kpebu has issued a stern warning to Members of Parliament and Ministers recently called to the bar, urging them to place professional legal ethics above political affiliations. His remarks follow the 63rd Call to the Bar ceremony in Accra, where 1,568 new lawyers were inducted into the profession. Among the notable public officials joining the legal fraternity are Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram Sam Nartey George and Deputy Minority Leader Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah.

Kpebu emphasized that the General Legal Council (GLC) maintains strict oversight of all practitioners, regardless of their political status. He cautioned that failure to adhere to professional standards could result in severe disciplinary actions, including the potential suspension or withdrawal of practicing licenses. According to Kpebu, the dual role of a legislator and a lawyer requires a clear boundary where legal integrity is never compromised by partisan interests or party loyalty.

To illustrate the risks of professional misconduct, Kpebu referenced the case of former Attorney-General Godfred Dame as a cautionary example of how political roles can intersect contentiously with legal responsibilities. This advice aligns with sentiments shared by Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie during the induction ceremony, where he encouraged the new cohort to view their admission to the bar as a public trust. The Chief Justice urged the lawyers to uphold integrity as a fundamental requirement of their new calling.

As these new lawyers begin balancing their legal careers with their legislative duties, the legal community remains focused on how they will navigate potential conflicts of interest. Kpebu’s intervention highlights a recurring concern regarding the professional conduct of public officials with legal qualifications. The warning serves as a reminder that their primary allegiance in any legal proceeding must remain with the law and the fair administration of justice.