Kpebu Warns Newly Called Lawyer-Politicians Against Putting Party Loyalty Before Ethics
Martin Kpebu, a private legal practitioner, has cautioned ministers and Members of Parliament recently called to the Bar against allowing political allegiance to undermine their professional responsibilities. Speaking to Citi News, he warned that lawyers who breach ethical standards could face disciplinary action from the General Legal Council, including the possible withdrawal of their practising licences. He stressed that misconduct could attract sanctions even without a criminal conviction, depending on the circumstances. “If the council finds that that conduct is below par, the minister lawyer would be sanctioned, including the licence being withdrawn,” he said.
Mr Kpebu cited the complaint against former Attorney-General Godfred Dame over his alleged conduct in the Jakpa case as a reminder of the professional and reputational risks lawyers face when their conduct comes under scrutiny. He said disciplinary proceedings could also take a personal toll, urging the newly qualified lawyers to protect their integrity regardless of their political positions. His comments follow the 63rd Call to the Bar ceremony, held at ICGC Christ Temple in Accra on Friday, October 9, 2026, where 1,568 new lawyers were admitted to the profession. Among them were Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations Minister Samuel Nartey George, Lands and Natural Resources Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, Citi FM and Channel One TV journalist Umaru Sanda Amadu, and broadcaster Naa Ashorkor Mensah-Doku. Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie also urged the new lawyers to treat the law as a public trust and uphold the highest standards of integrity.
