Book on Notaries Public Practice in Ghana launched

A landmark publication focusing on the role and regulation of notaries public in Ghana was officially unveiled at Wesley Towers, Accra, on Thursday, March 27, 2025. The launch drew distinguished members of the legal community, academics, and other key stakeholders.

Titled Notaries Public Practice in Ghana: The Law, Cases, and Materials, the book is authored by legal practitioner and researcher Daniel Yaw Abaidoo. It represents the first comprehensive exploration of notarial practice in the Ghanaian legal context.

Aimed at legal professionals, judges, law students, court officials, and the general public, the book serves as a guide to understanding the duties, regulatory framework, and broader impact of the notarial profession in Ghana.

At the launch, Mr. Abaidoo shared that his motivation stemmed from a keen interest in notarial practice and a desire to provide a much-needed reference for practitioners. He explained that the publication offers practical and legal insights into notarial work, covering statutory requirements, ethical standards, and procedural guidelines relevant to Ghana.

“This book is a scholarly resource with a uniquely Ghanaian perspective, unpacking the legal principles, regulatory demands, and professional responsibilities that define notarial practice in our jurisdiction,” he said.

Mr. Abaidoo also expressed his appreciation to Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo, who contributed the book’s foreword. He acknowledged her role in promoting legal scholarship and supporting the book’s development.

Justice Richard Apietu, who represented the Chief Justice at the event, delivered remarks on her behalf. She commended the publication as a vital addition to Ghana’s legal resources, noting the lack of previous works dedicated to the subject.

“The absence of literature solely focused on notarial practice in Ghana has long been a gap in our legal discourse. This book fills that void and provides clarity on the scope and relevance of the notary’s work in our justice system,” she stated.

She emphasized that the book not only contributes to the professional development of legal practitioners but also brings Ghana’s notarial standards in line with international benchmarks.

Professor Philip Ebow Bondzi-Simpson, founding dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Cape Coast, delivered a review of the book, highlighting its importance in shaping legal education and guiding ethical conduct among notaries.

The event concluded with a ceremonial unveiling of the book by Justice Apietu, followed by an auction. The first copy fetched GH₵20,000, while subsequent copies were sold for GH₵10,000, GH₵5,000, and GH₵3,000.