By Elizabeth PUNSU
The study of ethics in professional courses is crucial to preserving the integrity of professions and eliminating charlatans, Acting Dean-Faculty of Law at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Dr. Chris Adomako Kwakye has emphasised.
Dr. Kwakye noted that: “Recent events show that the conduct exhibited by some lawyers has devalued and undermined ideals of the profession,” stressing the need to prioritise ethics education in the legal field.
Delivering the keynote address at an induction ceremony for 222 students of the Kumasi campus, Ghana School of Law, Dr. Kwakye urged both aspiring and practicing lawyers to uphold proper ethical behaviour.
“Lawyers must reflect on the values, norms and ethics that shape their judgment and conduct, especially when faced with challenging situations. These principles preserve the profession’s dignity,” he stated.
He further underscored that a lawyer’s vision should integrate professional excellence with virtues such as integrity, commitment to the public good and practical wisdom.
“A lawyer-statesman embodies these qualities – integrity, service to the public and the ability to inspire others,” Dr. Kwakye added.
The Special Guest of Honour, Justice Sir Denis Agyei, advised students to cultivate discipline as a foundational principle.
“As lawyers, you must observe the principles, codes of ethics and regulations governing the profession. A good lawyer knows the law, lives by the law and respects colleagues in the profession. I urge you to attend lectures regularly, as this is the beginning of discipline. Read widely and do not become ‘headnote lawyers’ who rely solely on summaries without understanding the full context,” he said.
President-Ghana Bar Association, Kumasi Chapter, Kwame Owusu Sekyere congratulated the newly inducted law students and advised them to maintain modesty in their appearance.
Lawyer Owusu Sekyere further emphasised the importance of comportment and professionalism.
“It is a privilege to be inducted to study law. I want to remind you that this profession you are about to join is highly ethical and high standards are expected of you as lawyers. The training has just begun. It is not without reason that the registrar and lecturers place particular emphasis on your comportment, dress code and overall conduct on campus. This is the lifestyle you are expected to uphold for the rest of your career as lawyers,” he asserted.
Director-Legal Education and Director Ghana School of Law, His Lordship Barima Yaw Oppong, announced a significant development for the school.
He revealed that the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has donated 1.12 acres of prime land in Kumasi to construct a permanent campus for Ghana School of Law.
“Last week, I was called to receive documents covering 1.12 acres of land donated by Otumfuo. This location is within walking distance from the court complex. We will send a delegation to express our appreciation to Otumfuo for making this possible,” he disclosed.
Currently, the school operates as a tenant in the ICIL Building at KNUST.
