Ghanaian private legal practitioner, Lawyer Maurice Ampaw, has disclosed academic qualification and intelligence only forms part of half of requirements needed for one to be called to the bar.
He disclosed the other half of the requirements as morality and integrity.
Ghana YouTuber, Ama Governor is due to be called to the Bar on Friday, but her call has been put on hold pending investigations into a complaint received by the school concerning her character.
Although she successfully completed the professional law program, the letter from the concerned citizen alleged that she “lacks good character.”
Some Ghanaian youth have taken to social media to sign a petition on her behalf as they claim issues of morality has no link to her intelligence, hence, demanding her call to the bar.
Maurice Ampaw responding to this development told Samuel Eshun on the Happy Morning Show, “Two key things qualify one to become a lawyer. The first part is your academic performance and passing the interview stage. This forms part of the first 50 percent. The other 50 percent which is mostly not spoken about is what deals with morality and integrity.”
He disclosed the list of students who pass the exam and interview is submitted to the National Security for investigations into students’ morality and integrity.
“This investigation is done to ensure there are no criminals or persons without integrity and morality amongst the soon to be lawyers who can potentially mar the respect associated to the profession,” he added.
He described the law profession as similar to priesthood, indicating they both require knowledge and high levels of morality.
Aside from students being refused a call to the bar over their conduct, practicing lawyers can also lose their license to practice over misconduct.
Maurice Ampaw advising the Ghanaian youth highlighted the fact that every profession has its dos and don’ts, noting that one has to regard them to the latter if they seek to join that professional body.
By: Joel Sanco