Efua Ghartey has made history as the first female President of the Ghana Bar Association (GBA), following her recent election alongside a new set of national executives.

The induction ceremony took place in Accra, with President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo serving as the Guest of Honour.

During the event, the newly elected executives pledged to uphold the quality of legal practice and adhere to the ethics and standards of the Bar.

They expressed their commitment to introducing fresh perspectives and initiatives to shape the future of the GBA over their three-year tenure, spanning from 2024/2025 to 2027/2028.
The Ghartey-led administration includes key figures such as Mrs Victoria Barth as National Vice President, Mr Kwaku Gyau Baffour as National Secretary, Mr Aurelius Awuku as Assistant Secretary, and Mr Saviour Kudze as National Public Relations Officer (PRO). Additional members are Ms. Lawrencia Adika as Assistant PRO and Mr. Yaw Boafo, who serves as the immediate past President.

During the swearing-in ceremony, President Nana Akufo-Addo praised the new executives and shook hands with them, while Justice Senyo Dzamefe officiated on behalf of Chief Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo.

Mrs Ghartey previously chaired the Greater Accra Regional branch of the Bar Association and brings over 20 years of experience.

Her election signifies a notable shift in the traditionally male-dominated leadership of the Bar.

President Nana Akufo-Addo highlighted the importance of the development in a Facebook post, particularly as it coincided with the recent enactment of the Affirmative Action Bill.

The new law aims to promote gender parity across various sectors in Ghana, addressing systemic inequalities in the nation’s political, social, economic, and cultural landscapes.

Expressing his joy, the President remarked, “As a member of the Bar, I am elated to live to see this day when the Bar is led by a woman.”

Mr Godfred Yeboah-Dame, the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, remarked that Mrs Ghartey’s leadership of the Bar was historic and represented a significant milestone in the organization’s history.

He emphasized that her election marked a pivotal moment, reflecting progress towards greater inclusivity and representation within the legal profession in Ghana.

“Indeed, you have shattered the glass ceiling of male domination of the Bar’s presidency,” he noted.

The Attorney-General urged the new executives to be dedicated to duty, ensuring that the dignity of the legal profession was always upheld.

“It is only when practitioners maintain the highest standards of ethics that the dignity of the legal profession will be preserved.

“There cannot be any compromise on this,” he cautioned.

Mrs Ghartey promised that the new executives would be working with all identifiable groups to achieve the GBA’s aims and objectives.