Majority Chief Whip and South Dayi MP, Rockson Nelson-Dafeamekpor, has stated that some members of the Ghana Bar Association (GBA) have withdrawn from active participation in the association's programmes and decision-making processes. This disengagement is due to concerns about the GBA's perceived political posture. Dafeamekpor noted that the disparity between the number of lawyers affiliated with the GBA and those who regularly attend its programmes or take part in its decision-making processes is evident.
According to Dafeamekpor, some lawyers have perceived the GBA as being partisan over the years, a perception that has persisted despite expectations that the association would move away from such concerns. He expressed that when he and other lawyers joined the GBA in their formative years, they hoped that it would shed some of these perceptions. However, if the association's leadership continues to perpetuate this tradition, members may choose not to be active.
Dafeamekpor argued that the GBA's leadership has a responsibility to examine the concerns of its members and make use of its existing internal mechanisms to address grievances raised. He stated that the quiet withdrawal of some lawyers amounts to a form of protest against the GBA. This protest is not a lack of interest in the association but rather a form of dissatisfaction with how some matters are being handled.
The Majority Chief Whip made these comments in an interview with Channel One TV on Wednesday, October 7. He added that he and other lawyers had previously raised concerns about the GBA's perceived political posture during meetings. There is a longstanding perception that the association's level of activism could vary depending on which political party is in power.
Dafeamekpor urged the GBA's leadership to address the concerns of its members and work towards creating a more inclusive and apolitical environment. He emphasized that members who are dissatisfied with the current state of the association may choose to take a backstage role or not participate actively. This could potentially affect the GBA's overall performance and representation of its members.
The issue of the GBA's perceived political posture has been a subject of discussion among its members and the general public. Some have accused the association of being selective in its criticism of governments. In response, the GBA has stated that it is not politically aligned and that it criticizes all governments. However, concerns about its independence and consistency continue to be raised.
The GBA's leadership has been urged to take steps to address the concerns of its members and work towards creating a more unified and effective association. The association plays a crucial role in promoting the interests of its members and advocating for justice and human rights in Ghana. Its ability to do so effectively depends on its ability to manage internal conflicts and perceptions of partisanship.
Key points
- Some GBA members have withdrawn from active participation due to dissatisfaction with its perceived political posture.
- Dafeamekpor urged the GBA's leadership to examine member concerns and address grievances through internal mechanisms.
- The GBA's perceived partisanship has been a longstanding issue, with some members accusing it of varying its activism based on which party is in power.