President John Dramani Mahama has called on the Ghana Bar Association (GBA) to play an active role in scrutinizing government policies, emphasizing that accountability is key to national progress.

The President made these remarks during a courtesy visit by the leader of the GBA, Efua Ghartey, on Wednesday, March 26, 2025. He highlighted the importance of constructive criticism, urging civil society organizations, including the GBA, to voice concerns when governance takes a wrong turn.

“You have been a strong advocate for the rule of law, respect for human rights, the constitution, and freedoms. I believe that the role you play is important for our society to progress,” Mahama stated.

He further stressed the necessity of external oversight, drawing on a local proverb to illustrate his point: “So, as I have told civil societies, they must have the freedom to point out when things are not going in a way they should. Just like we say in our local parlance, ‘if a person is charting a path, he may not know that it is crooked.’”

“It is only onlookers who can be able to point it out to him. So, we will appreciate whatever feedback you give, and I believe that is how government should be,” he added.

The President’s remarks reaffirm his administration’s commitment to transparency and dialogue, reinforcing the critical role of legal and civil society institutions in governance.

No animosity between government and judiciary

In a related development, President Mahama dismissed claims of discord between his administration and the judiciary, stressing his government’s willingness to collaborate with the legal fraternity.

Speaking during the same engagement with the GBA, the President acknowledged the perception of tension but assured the association that his administration values cooperation in strengthening governance.

“Government is open to working with you, particularly on our side of the political divide. There’s this perception that we have a problem with the legal fraternity and things like that,” Mahama stated.

He pointed to individuals within his government, such as Marietta Brew Appiah-Oppong, as evidence of the administration’s respect for the judiciary and its commitment to legal principles.

“We’re not people who have any such animosity towards the judiciary and the legal fraternity. So our doors are open,” he reiterated.

President Mahama’s assurances come at a time when concerns over judicial independence and government influence have been a topic of public debate. His call for continued dialogue and partnership with the legal community underscores the administration’s efforts to foster a harmonious relationship with key institutions in the country’s democratic framework.