The Constitution Review Committee (CRC) has recommended the removal of the Ghana Bar Association from explicit mention in the 1992 Constitution, as part of proposed reforms aimed at modernizing the country’s legal and governance framework.
According to the CRC, the recommendation is intended to promote fairness, inclusiveness, and constitutional balance. The committee argues that embedding a specific private professional association in the Constitution creates unequal treatment and limits opportunities for broader representation within Ghana’s legal profession. Instead, the CRC proposes the use of neutral and general language that allows flexibility and equal participation for all qualified professional bodies.
The Ghana Bar Association is currently referenced in constitutional provisions relating to appointments and consultations within the judicial system. However, critics of this arrangement have long argued that granting constitutional recognition to a single private organization gives it undue influence and excludes other legitimate legal associations that may emerge over time.
The CRC’s proposal follows years of public debate and legal scrutiny over whether private organizations should enjoy constitutionally guaranteed roles. Advocates for the change believe the reform will strengthen democratic principles, uphold freedom of association, and prevent the Constitution from favoring one group over others.
Supporters also maintain that the removal would not diminish the relevance or influence of the Ghana Bar Association. Rather, its role would continue to be defined through statutory provisions, professional merit, and engagement with state institutions, just like other associations.
If adopted, the recommendation could lead to significant changes in how professional bodies interact with constitutional and judicial processes in Ghana. The proposal is expected to spark further national discussions as stakeholders examine its potential impact on legal practice, governance, and constitutional reform.
