The Role of Civil Society in the Democratization Process in Ghana, A Case Study of the Ghana Bar Association

Abstract

The aim of this study is to examine the role of the Ghana Bar Association in the democratization process in Ghana. A sample of 100 comprising 30 lawyers and 70 members of the general public were selected by purposive sampling from diverse occupational and professional backgrounds. It was made up of 69 males and 31 females . The interview schedule (questionnaires) was the method used to collect data from respondents. Additional data were gathered from documentary sources namely; the records of the Ghana Bar Association.The results of the study revealed that in terms of the social background characteristics, occupation was diverse and males and youth dominated the sample. A great majority of respondents were married and the literacy level was very high. With respect to the importance of the legal profession it was found out that in the public·s eye the profession is important because it deals with the law and the law affects everyone; that the nation cannot do without lawyers. As far as the role of the GBA in the democratization process in Ghana is concerned it was discovered that the Association has contributed positively to the process since independence and continues to play a major role in varying degrees involving national development, freedom and justice, human rights, as well as democracy and constitutionalism in general. finally, the following problems were identified to have impeded the effectiveness of the association. These include lack of commitment from governmental interference, lack of discipline among members, internal fragmentation of the Association, as well as anti- GBA sentiments from a large section of the public. Among the recommendations made were that the GSA should have structural re-organization involving the mode of membership induction, discipline, commitment and look for full-time personnel for both national and regional offices. It was also recommended that the General legal council should surrender its statutory powers over lawyers to the GBA to enable it bring order and discipline into the Association; that there should be a vigorous public education on legal matters. In addition, to these the GBA should work in close collaboration with the rest of civil society as it maximizes the power of its presence. as representatives of civil society, on many state bodies The researcher is hopeful that if the recommendations offered here are adopted many of the problems associated with the GBA and other segments of civil society will be minimized. if not entirely eliminated.