Supreme Court nominee, Justice Dennis Dominic Adjei, has expressed strong support for the continued use of wigs and gowns by members of the judiciary, emphasising their symbolic and functional importance within Ghana’s legal system.
Speaking during his vetting before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Monday, June 16, 2025, Justice Adjei rejected past proposals to abolish the traditional courtroom attire, arguing that such a move could open the door to impersonation and erode the distinct identity of legal professionals.
“The wigs and the gowns have several significances,” he explained. “Between 2012 and 2014, there was a proposal that we should not be wearing wigs and others, and we found that some people who were not lawyers were posing as lawyers—because it’s just a matter of getting a jacket and tie, and you can go to court and announce yourself.”
Justice Adjei welcomed Parliament’s recent affirmation of traditional legal attire, but stressed that even beyond Ghana, the use of judicial robes is a widely recognised standard.
“Wherever you go, every court has its own robe—international courts, national courts. To me, it sets you apart. It shows that this is a judge. It doesn’t take anything from us,” he added.
Responding directly to Cape Coast South MP Kweku Ricketts-Hagan, who questioned the necessity of the attire, Justice Adjei said he firmly opposes any move to abandon it.
“I treasure it. Honourable[Ricketts-Hagan], I will not support your position,” he stated.
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