Notary Public Status Is a Privilege, Not a License to Be Careless — Ohene Amankwaa Warns Lawyers
Legal practitioner Ohene Amankwaa Gyan has described the appointment of a Notary Public as a prestigious honour that comes with enormous responsibility, urging beneficiaries to uphold the highest standards of integrity and professionalism.
Speaking in an exclusive interview after receiving his Notary Public status, Amankwaa explained that a Notary Public licence is a special authorization granted by the courts to experienced lawyers who have diligently served at the Bar for more than 10 years, in accordance with the Notaries Public Act, 1960.
He noted that the appointment empowers lawyers to authenticate legal documents with an official seal, making the role critical to the administration of justice.
Expressing gratitude to the judiciary for the recognition, lawyer Amankwaa said he was honoured to be entrusted with such a prestigious responsibility.
He explained that the selection and appointment of Notary Public lawyers are based on a lawyer’s integrity, discipline, and professional record, adding that candidates undergo thorough scrutiny before being approved by the appropriate legal authorities.
According to him, the annual exercise, led by the Chief Justice and the Judicial Service, is intended to recognize lawyers who have distinguished themselves through exemplary service.
While celebrating the achievement, Amankwaa cautioned that the status should never be abused.
He warned that because Notary Public lawyers are relatively few, some people may attempt to exploit their official seals and authority for fraudulent purposes.
He also expressed concern that some Notary Public lawyers fail to properly scrutinize documents, especially those involving relatives or people they know personally, saying such negligence undermines the credibility of the office urged all beneficiaries to remain vigilant and exercise due diligence at all times, stressing that any abuse of the privilege or failure to follow the law could result in the withdrawal of their licence by the relevant authorities.
“Being a Notary Public is an honour worth celebrating, but it is also a responsibility that demands integrity, discipline and strict adherence to the law,” he emphasized.
By Maurice Otoo
