Reactions as Justice Adjei opens up on the use of wigs and gowns in courts

Supreme Court nominee Justice Dennis Dominic Adjei has defended the continued use of wigs and gowns in Ghana’s legal system, highlighting their symbolic importance and protective role in maintaining the integrity of the legal profession.

During his vetting before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Monday, June 16, 2025, Justice Adjei rejected suggestions that the traditional attire should be scrapped, cautioning that doing so could have negative consequences.

“The wigs and the gowns have several significances. 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,” he said.

He welcomed Parliament’s recent decision to support the continued use of the attire, noting that it aligns with global legal traditions.

“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.