The Second Deputy Minority Chief Whip, Jerry Ahmed Shaib, has called on young lawyers and law students to remain firm, disciplined, and uncompromising in the face of political pressure, stressing that integrity and fidelity to justice must guide both legal practice and public service.
He made the remarks while speaking on behalf of the Minority Leader, Osahen Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, at the 2026 Law Students’ Network (LSN) Leadership and Law Series held on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at the ISSER Conference Centre, University of Ghana, Legon. The event was held under the theme, “Beyond the Classroom: Winning in Law and Politics”.
He reflected on the conduct of public officials and the ethical demands placed on legal practitioners in Ghana’s evolving political environment. Mr. Shaib expressed concern about what he described as a growing tendency among some political actors to publicly affirm commitment to national values while allegedly defending corruption or shifting principles for convenience.
“We are all seeing politicians who proclaim faith in our values, while defending corruption or flipping on principle and convenience,” he stated, adding that such conduct undermines public confidence in governance and justice.
He stressed that true justice requires consistency, institutional respect, and moral courage, noting that individuals must demonstrate integrity not only in public but also in private actions.
According to him, justice must apply equally to all persons without exception, regardless of status or influence. He stated emphatically that “no one, and I mean no one, however powerful, may break the law with impunity.”
Mr. Shaib told the gathering that law students are entering a rapidly changing environment marked by heightened political competition, increased scrutiny of public office, and rising expectations from citizens. He cautioned that such an environment demands discipline and resilience.
He explained that success in the legal profession requires strict discipline, including thorough understanding of legal principles, careful analysis of case facts, and precision in argumentation. He also emphasised the need for ethical conduct, urging future lawyers to avoid corruption, maintain confidentiality, and provide honest legal counsel.
He further noted that courage is essential in both law and politics, encouraging students to defend principles even when such positions are unpopular or politically inconvenient. He said standing for justice often requires individuals to resist pressure and prioritise long-term national interest over short-term gain.
Mr. Shaib underscored the importance of integrity in all aspects of professional life, warning that success without ethical grounding is meaningless. He stated that careers built on lies, shortcuts, or compromised principles cannot endure and ultimately erode public trust.
He also highlighted the interconnection between law and politics, explaining that while law sets the boundaries for governance, politics shapes how policies are developed within those boundaries. He argued that individuals who understand both fields are best positioned to strengthen democratic governance.
The Minority Chief Whip urged the youth to recognise their critical role in shaping Ghana’s future, describing young lawyers as key actors in the consolidation of democracy and institutional accountability.
He encouraged them to take responsibility for upholding justice, defending citizens’ rights, and ensuring that public service is guided by integrity and fairness. He further challenged them to commit to what he described as service-driven leadership anchored in accountability and liberty.
Mr. Shaib urged law students to stand for justice and freedom in all circumstances. He emphasised that their choices today will determine the strength of Ghana’s institutions tomorrow.
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