Vetting: Justice Adjei defends use of wigs and gowns in Ghana’s judiciary, says 'I treasure it'

Supreme Court nominee Justice Dennis Dominic Adjei has mounted a firm defence of the continued use of wigs and gowns in Ghana’s legal system, calling them essential symbols of judicial identity and professionalism.

Appearing before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Monday, June 16, 2025, Justice Adjei dismissed previous suggestions that the judiciary abandon its traditional courtroom attire. He argued that removing the gowns and wigs would not only blur the distinction between real and fake lawyers but also undermine the integrity of the court.

“The wigs and the gowns have several significances,” he said. “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 praised Parliament for upholding the tradition and noted that courts around the world, including international tribunals, maintain similar dress codes.

“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 said.

When Cape Coast South MP Kweku Ricketts-Hagan challenged the necessity of the attire, Justice Adjei firmly responded: “I treasure it. Honourable [Ricketts-Hagan], I will not support your position.”

Justice Adjei’s remarks reinforce the judiciary’s stance on preserving courtroom tradition as a safeguard against misrepresentation and as a marker of authority in the pursuit of justice.