At the annual conference of the Ghana Bar Association in Kumasi, Attorney General (AG) Godfred Dame delivered a powerful message to the legal community, urging lawyers to avoid actions that could intensify conflicts.
Dame emphasized the vital role of impartiality and integrity in the legal profession, particularly in times of political and electoral tension.
“Lawyers have a crucial role in sustaining democracy in Ghana. We must firmly oppose the dishonorable actions of those who, without justification, undermine the credibility of the Electoral Commission’s ability to conduct fair elections. We must unequivocally reject rhetoric that fuels conflict.”
He highlighted the central role of elections in democracy, stressing that the Electoral Commission of Ghana must uphold its constitutional mandate to ensure credible and fair elections.
Dame lauded the Electoral Commission’s performance, noting that it has consistently fulfilled its duties since 1992, even amidst challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The Electoral Commission of Ghana has had a sound appreciation of the sacred constitutional responsibility it bears to the people of Ghana. Remarkably, it remained unshaken in its quest even in the teeth of COVID-19, delivering an internationally affirmed free, fair, and perhaps, the most transparent elections since the inception of the Constitution in 1992.”
He underscored the importance of recognizing that elections are a process involving numerous stages, from boundary demarcation to vote counting and declaration.
Dame expressed confidence in the Electoral Commission’s handling of these processes, asserting, “So far, I have not noticed anything untoward about the Electoral Commission’s handling of the process.”
Dame reminded the audience of the ongoing responsibility to safeguard the gains of Ghana’s democratic journey.
“Freedom is not free, and it is up to us here and now to ensure that the gains and triumphs of the past remain intact for generations of Ghanaians unborn,” he declared.