School of Law Kumasi campus to remain open amid Makola expansion – GSL Director
The Ghana School of Law (GSL) has purchased land in Makola to begin the extension of its campus, in accordance with former Chief Justice Kwasi Anin-Yeboah’s objective of bringing the law school closer to court complexes.
The Director of GSL, Barima Yaw Kodie Oppong, acknowledged this development and stated that the Accra expansion will not result in the closure of the Kumasi campus.
He thanked Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II for his assistance in establishing the Kumasi campus as the first regional campus.
“The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has been gracious in getting us a location to formerly establish and make the Kumasi campus as our first regional campus. So, the expansion at Makola is not going to lead to the shutting down of the Kumasi campus. ”
“We try to obey laws just to avoid punishment. But you cannot be successful at the bar if all you think about is that you’re doing what pleases others as right because if you don’t, you would be punished.
Director Barima Yaw Oppong underlined the significance of ethics in the legal profession during the induction ceremony for professional law degree students at KNUST’s Kumasi campus.
He advised pupils to incorporate ethical ideals into their professional life.
Former Chief Justice Kwasi Anin-Yeboah repeated the appeal to follow the code of ethics, highlighting its importance in successful legal practice.
Samuel Obeng Diawuo, Justice of the Court of Appeal, emphasized the importance of professional ethics, cautioning attorneys from making public remarks about pending matters in which they are engaged. He emphasized the need of adhering to ethical norms in order to increase public trust in the rule of law and the legal profession.
The event welcomed 140 law students to the Ghana School of Law – Kumasi Campus as they begin their academic path to become legal practitioners.
“Ethics must be our way of life. It must be imbibed in us even at the formative level. Otherwise, you may become a lawyer, but don’t forget that if you refuse to comply with the rules of ethics, there can be serious consequences for you,” stressed.
“A lawyer who is participating or has participated in the investigation or litigation of a matter that is still pending before a court, shall not make an out-of-court statement or grant an interview to the media on the merits of the case. But now, lawyers are heard commenting on merits of cases that are pending and which they are participants.
“Adherence to and observing legality is one of the pillars on which the rule of law is anchored. When ethical principles are upheld by both lawyers and judges, it bolsters public confidence, belief, and faith in the rule of law and, by extension, legal practice”