President John Dramani Mahama has urged the Ghana Bar Association (GBA) to remain vigilant in scrutinizing government policies and ensuring accountability for national progress.

During a courtesy visit by the GBA leader, Efua Ghartey, on Wednesday, March 26, Mahama praised the association for its long-standing commitment to upholding the rule of law and defending constitutional freedoms.

“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,” he said.

The former president stressed the need for civil society and legal professionals to speak up when governance is not on the right track.

“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.’”

Drawing an analogy to highlight the importance of external critique, he added:

“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,” President Mahama said.