Acting Chief Justice Appoints Joyce Bawah Mogtari to the Office of Notary Public of Ghana

• Joyce Bawah Mogtari has been officially appointed as a Notary Public by Ghana’s Acting Chief Justice
• The lawyer and advisor to President John Mahama said the honour had deepened her legal journey
• Mogtari promised to uphold integrity in verifying documents for use both locally and internationally

Acting Chief Justice, Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, has appointed Joyce Bawah Mogtari to the office of Notary Public of Ghana.

This was disclosed on social media by the Deputy Attorney General, Justice Srem Sai, on September 3, 2025.

In the said post, Justice Sai congratulated Joyce Bawah Mogtari, whom he referred to as his senior, on her appointment.

"A few days ago, the Honourable Acting Chief Justice appointed my learned senior to the office of Notary Public of Ghana. Congratulations, Joyce Bawah Mogtari, Esq," he wrote.

Justice Sai's Facebook post about Bawah Mogtari's appointment is below:

Responding to the Deputy Attorney General's social media post, Bawah Mogtari said she was honoured to be commissioned as a Notary Public for the Republic of Ghana.

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"On 14th August 2025, I was honoured to be commissioned as a Notary Public for the Republic of Ghana. This appointment is more than a legal designation. It is a solemn responsibility to safeguard the credibility of documents that cross borders, to attest to the truthfulness of declarations and to uphold the highest standards of both Ghanaian and international law," she wrote.

"It also marks a continuation of my legal journey. From advocacy and advisory work to research and service in roles that demand integrity and public trust, each step in my career has deepened my appreciation for diligence, fairness and credibility. These values will continue to guide me in this new chapter. I remain committed to discharging the duties of this office with the professionalism and integrity it demands."

Joyce Bawah Mogtari's Facebook post regarding her new role is below:

Joyce Mogtari's expected role as Notary Public

This appointment is a significant recognition of Mogtari's expertise, qualifications and many years of experience as a lawyer.

The Senior Presidential Advisor to President John Mahama was among a host of experienced legal practitioners who took their oath of office before the Acting Chief Justice.

As a Notary Public, Mogtari will be authorised to witness and authenticate documents, administer oaths, and perform other duties as required by law.

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Notaries Public play a crucial role in verifying the authenticity of documents and ensuring their validity for use in various legal and official contexts.

As an experienced lawyer and politician, her appointment is expected to enhance the efficiency and credibility of document authentication processes in Ghana. Her expertise will likely contribute to the integrity of legal and business transactions.

How to become Notary Public in Ghana

Under the Notaries Public Act 1960 (Act 26) of the Ghanaian Constitution, the Chief Justice holds the authority to appoint individuals deemed fit and proper to serve as Notaries Public.

According to the Judicial Service of Ghana, eligible applicants must be legal practitioners with at least ten years of standing and must also be considered of good moral character and integrity by the Chief Justice.

The candidate must demonstrate high ethical standards and significant legal experience. Upon appointment, they are required to take an oath and be formally enrolled as Notaries Public, receiving a certificate issued under the seal of the Supreme Court.

Notaries Public act as officers of the court responsible for handling matters involving foreign legal affairs, international transactions, and document verification.

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The Supreme Court reserves the right to suspend or remove a notary’s name from the Roll for justifiable reasons.

Additionally, any Justice of the Supreme or High Court may impose a temporary suspension pending a formal review.

Baffoe-Bonnie's wife becomes a Notary Public

In a related development, YEN.com.gh reported earlier that Paul Baffoe-Bonnie swore in his wife as a Notary Public in Accra.

Patience Baffoe-Bonnie, the Director General of the Ghana Prisons Service, was among 122 legal practitioners who took the oath.

The Judicial Service had outlined the criteria for becoming a notary, including integrity and at least 10 years of legal experience.

Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.

Source: YEN.com.gh