AG hints at new Notaries Public Bill as 92 are sworn-in

Attorney-General Godfred Dame, says a new Notaries Public Bill that is expected to strengthen the legal regime under which notaries perform their functions, has been submitted to cabinet for consideration.

Mr. Dame spoke at the swearing-in ceremony of 92 new Notaries Public that happened today, May 15, at the Supreme Court. 

“A new Notaries Public Bill has been submitted by the Office of the Attorney General and Ministry of Justice to cabinet for consideration and approval before its introduction in Parliament.

Newly sworn-in notaries public, by virtue of your functions, you must be instruments in the deterrence and detection of fraud in this Republic,” Mr. Dame said. 

The Chief Justice, His Lordship Kwasi Anin Yeboah while administering the oath, also charged the newly appointed notaries public to execute their duties with diligence and in compliance with the Notaries Public Act 1960 (Act 26).  

Among those that were sworn-in include popular names like Gabby Asare Otchere Darko and Nana Adjoa Hackman, both co-founders and Managing Partners at the Africa Legal Associates (ALA); Retired Commissioner of Police Kofi Boakye; Prof Kenneth Agyemang Attafuah, Executive Director of the National Identification Authority (NIA); Ralph Poku-Adusei, Managing Partner at Trent Legal Amansie Chambers, Justice Srem-Sai, Lecturer, GIMPA Faculty of Law and others.

A notary public is a person permitted by the state to administer oaths, certify documents, attest to the authenticity of signatures, and perform official acts in commercial matters.

Under the Notaries Public Act, 1960 (Act 26) the Chief Justice can appoint any person he considers fit and proper to discharge the duties assigned to that office.

The practice has therefore been to appoint a lawyer of high standing, and one with not less than 10 years experience in practice.