Lawyer contests suspension by General Legal Council
A private lawyer, James Abiaduka, has appealed against the General Legal Council’s (GLC) two-year suspension placed on him.
The Council suspended him for allegedly falsely presenting himself to his clients that he was James Agalga, the Deputy Minister of Interior.
It would be recalled that the GLC in a statement issued in April this year, formally charged Lawyer James Abiaduka under Rule 9 (7) of the Legal Profession (Professional Conduct and Etiquette) Rules, 1969 L.I. 613 for falsely representing to his clients that he was James Agalga Esq. when he knew that the said statement was patently false.
It said: “During the period of suspension, he shall not hold himself out as a Legal Practitioner or attend Chambers or render or purport to render any professional legal service to any person whatsoever.”
“The license of Mr Abiaduka to practice for the legal year is hereby withdrawn forthwith.”
A statement signed by Justice Alex B. Poku-Acheampong, the Judicial Secretary, and Secretary to General Legal Council, and posted on the website of the Judicial Service, said the suspension took effect from April 7, this year.
However, Mr Abiaduka has filed a Notice of Appeal at the Court of Appeal, saying the decision of the Council was against the weight of evidence that was adduced at the GLC.
He held that the finding of the fact that he (Mr Abiaduka) at all material times represented himself to his clients that he was James Agalga was not supported by any evidence on record.
Mr Abiaduka, through his counsel, contended that the GLC acted in breach of the rules of natural justice.
In a statement from Paintsil and Paintsil and Co Chambers, stated that, “Mr Abiaduka does not accept the decision of the General Legal Council as a correct statement of what existed on record.”
The statement, signed by Kweku Y. Paintsil, on behalf of Mr Abiaduka, said Mr Abudiaka would, therefore, pursue the appeal “in the hope of overturning the decision of the GLC in due course of time.
Source: GNA