The New Ghana Social Justice Forum has formally petitioned the Ghana Legal Council (GLC) to revoke the professional license of Lawyer William Kusi over what it describes as “unprofessional and demeaning remarks” made toward Priscilla Ofori, popularly known as Odo Broni, a widow who recently lost her husband.

In a public statement that has drawn widespread outrage, Lawyer Kusi allegedly referred to the bereaved woman as a “slay queen” — a comment that has sparked condemnation from sections of the legal fraternity, civil society organisations, and gender advocacy groups.

The petition, signed by Yahaya Alhassan, President of the New Ghana Social Justice Forum, describes Kusi’s comments as a “verbal assault against a woman in grief” and “an affront to womanhood, empathy, and human dignity.”

It argues that the remarks not only breach basic standards of decency but also undermine public confidence in the legal profession and the justice system.

“Such comments are morally reprehensible and professionally indefensible,” the petition states.

“They erode the respect and trust that the public must have in the Bar and in those who uphold the law.”

The Forum is urging the Ghana Legal Council to initiate immediate disciplinary proceedings against Lawyer Kusi and to consider revoking his license to practice, citing professional misconduct.

It also calls on the Ghana Bar Association (GBA) to publicly denounce Kusi’s remarks and reaffirm its commitment to maintaining ethical and gender-sensitive standards within the profession.

“Silence from the GBA in this matter could be interpreted as tacit approval or complicity,” the petition warns.

The group referenced the landmark case Amarfio v. General Legal Council (1991), where a lawyer was sanctioned for conduct that brought the legal profession into disrepute.

It argues that failure by the Council to act decisively in this instance would amount to a betrayal of established ethical precedents and a setback for professional accountability.