June 14, 2017
The Chairman,
General Legal Council
Ghana School of Law
Accra-Ghana
Dear Sir,
COMPLAINT OF PROFESSIONAL MISCONDUCT
RE: SAM OKUDZETO
[ads1]The leadership and entire membership of United for National Interest (UNI), a non-partisan civil society organsation which seeks to represent the voice of the masses on key issues of national interest, have observed with great dismay and disappointment the unprofessional manner a high standing member of the bar, a member of the Council of State, a Senior Lecturer of ethics of the Ghana law School of over 50years experience, a member of the Disciplinary Committee of the General Legal Council takes to social media and other liked internet facilities to flout the rules of professional conduct as prescribed in the legal profession (professional conduct and etiquette) rules, 1969 (LI613) specifically Rule 2 (1), (2), (3), (4).
Having carefully read through the legal profession (professional conduct and etiquette) rules, 1969, and having followed activities of Mr. Sam Okudzeto on social media and other internet outlets, we are convinced and strongly believe that;
- Mr. Sam Okudjeto, having published or caused to be published on his behalf his contact information, client base, his experience and other related information on the official website (http://www.senachambers.com/our-clients.html) of his firm (Sam Okudzeto & Associates) seeks to directly or indirectly use the content of the firm’s website to seek for professional business and attract business unfairly and same content is calculated to suggest that it is done for that purpose.
- Mr. Sam Okudjeto, having published or caused to be published on his behalf his contact information, his experience and other related information on the official website of the United State of America (http://photos.state.gov/libraries/ghana/231771/PDFs/legal-service-providers_2016.pdf) of his firm (Sam Okudzeto & Associates) seeks to directly or indirectly use the content website to seek for professional business and attract business unfairly and same content is calculated to suggest that it is done for that purpose.
- Mr. Sam Okudjeto, having published or caused to be published on his behalf his contact information on the US Embassy site which file reads;
“The U.S. Embassy in Accra, Ghana assumes no responsibility or liability for the professional ability or reputation of, or the quality of services provided by, the following persons or firms. Inclusion on this list is in no way an endorsement by the Department of State or the U.S. Embassy. Names are listed alphabetically, and the order in which they appear has no other significance. The information in the list on professional credentials, areas of expertise and language ability are provided directly by the lawyers. You may receive additional information about the individuals by contacting the local bar association or local licensing authorities”, is guilty of touting and personal advertisement and in gross breach of the nobility of the Law profession.
- Mr. Sam Okudzeto having published or caused to be published on his behalf information that relates his firm (Sam Okudzeto & Associates), his membership of professional bodies, his experience and other related information on LinkedIn.com is guilty of touting and personal advertisement and same is against the nobility of the profession he practices.
- Mr. Sam Okudzeto, having published or caused to be published on his behalf information about his firm and himself in the GhanaWeb Directory is guilty of touting and personal advertisement and is in breach of the nobility of the law profession.
- Mr. Sam Okudzeto having published or caused to be published on his behalf information with regards his firm and himself on Lawyers.com is guilty of touting and personal advertisement as such information ordinarily is calculated to suggest that it is done for that purpose and to attract business unfairly and same is against the nobility of his profession as a lawyer.
- Mr. Sam Okudzeto having published or caused to be published on his behalf information with regards his firm and himself on WHOSWHOLEGAL.com is guilty of touting and personal advertisement since such information ordinarily is calculated to suggest that it is done for that purpose and to attract business unfairly and same is against the nobility of his profession as a lawyer.
- Mr. Sam Okudzeto having published or caused to be published on his behalf information with regards his firm and himself on lawcrossing.com is guilty of touting and personal advertisement since such information ordinarily is calculated to suggest that it is done for that purpose and to attract business unfairly and same is against the nobility of his profession as a lawyer.
- Mr. Sam Okudzeto and his firm having published or caused to be published on his behalf information with regards his firm and himself on 7 other online platforms is guilty of touting and personal advertisement since such information ordinarily is calculated to suggest that it is done for that purpose and to attract business unfairly and same is against the nobility of his profession as a lawyer.
We are therefore calling on your high office to as a matter of urgency cause an investigation to be instigated in the matter complained about and the necessary sanctions applied to serve as a deterrent to others.
We have attached copies of proof of touting and personal advertisement as leveled against Mr. Sam Okudzeto for your perusal.
We look forward to hearing from you in this regard.
Yours faithfully,
Korsi Senyo
Convener, United for National Interest
