The General Legal Council (GLC) has issued a stern warning to the National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary candidate for the Sekondi Constituency, Blay Nyamekye Armah, who is suspected of practicing without proper qualifications.
The directive issued on August 15, 2024, was signed by Justice Cyra Pamela C. A. Koranteng, who is the Secretary of the General Legal Council and acting on behalf of the Chief Justice, the Council’s Chairperson.
In the letter, the General Legal Council addresses a complaint alleging that Armah has been presenting himself as a lawyer despite lacking the necessary legal qualifications.
Additionally, the letter cautions that if the lawyer fails to adhere to the directive, the case will be escalated to the Office of the Attorney-General for possible prosecution under Section 9(2) of the Legal Profession Act, 1960 (Act 32). The section provides:
(2)If a person who is not enrolled wilfully pretends to be, or takes or uses any name or title, or description implying that he is qualified or recognised as qualified to act as a lawyer or barrister or solicitor he shall be liable to a fine not exceeding £G50 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months or to both.
A letter from the GLC to the NDC parliamentary candidate reads “A complaint received by the General Legal Council indicated that you publicly hold yourself as a lawyer even though you are allegedly not qualified within the jurisdiction to do so.
“I have been directed by the Honourable Lady Chief Justice and Chairperson of the General Legal Council to request you to submit your Enrolment certificate for verification failing which you will be referred to the Office of the Attorney-General for prosecution pursuant to Section 9(2) of the Legal Profession Act, 1960 (Act 32).
“Please take note for your strict compliance.”
This proactive stance by the GLC serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining rigorous standards in the legal field and safeguarding the public’s trust in legal professionals.
Pulse.
