The University of Ghana School of Law (UGSoL) is set to host a groundbreaking event in collaboration with the Institute for African Women in Law (IAWL) to publicly adopt the IAWL’s Gender Equality in Law Model Policy and honour Professor Akua Kuenyehia with the prestigious IAWL Legacy Award.

The event, scheduled for Monday, March 3, 2025, at 11 a.m. at the University of Ghana School of Law Auditorium, will have as its Special Guests of Honour the Chief Justice of Ghana, Her Ladyship Gertrude Torkornoo, and the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ghana, Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo. It is expected to attract law lecturers, judges, renowned legal professionals, high-level dignitaries, and law students.

The public adoption of the Gender Equality in Law Model Policy underscores UGSoL’s commitment to fostering human rights, equality, and compliance with the Affirmative Action Act of 2024. The model policy, developed as part of IAWL’s Gender Equality in Law Campaign (GELC) launched in Accra on July 5, 2024, focuses on critical areas such as addressing sexual harassment, ensuring equal hiring and promotion opportunities, advocating for equal pay for equal work, and eliminating gender biases and stereotypes within the legal profession.

“This initiative will further UGSoL’s alignment with international, regional, and national laws that promote women’s representation and participation in decision-making,” the press release stated.

Beyond policy adoption, the event will also celebrate the trailblazing career of Professor Akua Kuenyehia, the first female Professor of Law and the first female Dean of UGSoL. She will receive IAWL’s Legacy Award in recognition of her immense contributions to legal education, women’s rights advocacy, the rule of law, and international justice.

“The recognition of Professor Kuenyehia is a well-deserved honour for a pioneer whose work has shaped legal education and opened doors for many women in the legal profession,” the release stated.

The University of Ghana and IAWL encourage all stakeholders in the legal and judicial sectors, as well as members of the university community and the public, to participate in this significant event. “Together, we can set the tone for creating a gender-responsive work environment in the legal profession and honour a legal luminary and pioneer African woman in law,” it concluded.