General News of Wednesday, 14 August 2024

Source: www.ghanaweb.com

Being a judge prevents you from acting as a lawyer – Supreme Court nominee explains

Justice Sophia Essah Justice Sophia Essah

Supreme Court nominee Justice Sophia Essah has emphasized that, according to the Constitution of Ghana, an individual cannot simultaneously serve as a lawyer and a judge.

During her vetting on Tuesday, August 13, 2024, Justice Essah highlighted the distinct roles of these professions, stating that once a person becomes a judge, they can no longer practice as a lawyer.

"You cannot be in this country as a lawyer and at the same time, a judge. Because the work of a lawyer is different from a judge. I cannot go and be an advocate, have clients, or represent anyone in court. That is the work of a lawyer, and so once I became a judge, I could no longer be a lawyer even though I have legal professional knowledge and background,” myjoyonline.com quoted her to have said during the vetting.

Her comments were in response to a question from Mahama Ayariga, the National Democratic Congress MP for Bawku Central.

Ayariga is reported to have pointed out that the Constitution requires a Supreme Court judge to have at least 15 years of standing as a lawyer, along with high moral character and proven integrity.

AM/EK

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