Private legal practitioner Martin Kpebu has advised Ministers and Members of Parliament who were recently called to the Bar to prioritize professional ethics over party loyalty. Speaking to Citi News, Mr Kpebu emphasized that breaches of professional standards could attract disciplinary action from the General Legal Council. This includes suspension or withdrawal of practising licences, highlighting the importance of upholding the highest standards of professional ethics.
Mr Kpebu referenced the complaint filed against former Attorney-General Godfred Dame over his alleged conduct in the Jakpa case as an example of the scrutiny lawyers may face. He noted that even the disciplinary process itself can cause significant personal and reputational damage. The case serves as a reminder to newly qualified lawyer-politicians to ensure that their party affiliations do not influence their conduct as legal practitioners.
The comments from Mr Kpebu follow the 63rd Call to the Bar ceremony held at the ICGC Christ Temple in Accra on Friday, October 9, 2026. During the ceremony, 1,568 new lawyers were admitted to the profession, including Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations Minister Samuel Nartey George and Lands and Natural Resources Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah.
Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie also addressed the newly called lawyers, reminding them — especially those in public-facing roles — to regard the law as a public trust and uphold unwavering integrity. This message aligns with Mr Kpebu's warning, emphasizing the importance of maintaining high professional standards.
Mr Kpebu stressed that if a Minister or MP fails to place the ethics of the profession above party loyalty and gets involved in a legal issue, they can be reported to the General Legal Council. If the council finds that the conduct is below par, the minister-lawyer would be sanctioned, including the possibility of having their licence withdrawn.
The list of newly called lawyers includes notable figures such as Channel One TV and Citi FM journalist Umaru Sanda Amadu and broadcaster Naa Ashorkor Mensah-Doku. As they begin their careers, they will be expected to uphold the professional standards outlined by Mr Kpebu and the Chief Justice.
Ultimately, Mr Kpebu's warning serves as a reminder to all newly qualified lawyer-politicians of the importance of prioritizing legal ethics and maintaining the trust of the public. By upholding professional standards, they can avoid disciplinary action and ensure the integrity of the legal profession.
Key points
- Private legal practitioner Martin Kpebu urges Ministers and MPs to prioritize professional ethics over party loyalty.
- The 63rd Call to the Bar ceremony saw 1,568 new lawyers admitted to the profession, including Ministers and MPs.
- Breaches of professional standards can attract disciplinary action from the General Legal Council, including suspension or withdrawal of practising licences.
