Mrs Efua Ghartey has made history by becoming the first female president of the Ghana Bar Association (GBA).
The election took place at the GBA congress in Kumasi in Ghana on Wednesday, September 11, marking a significant milestone in the Association’s history.
Mrs Ghartey’s election is being hailed as a transformative moment for the GBA, as it ushers in new leadership that is expected to bring fresh perspectives to the legal profession in Ghana. She polled 1,278 votes to beat her closest contender Agbesi Dzakpasu who polled 1060.
Mrs Ghartey, a seasoned lawyer of over 30 years’ standing at the Bar and with an extensive track record of service to the GBA, was running for national president for the third time. Her two previous attempts ended in a narrow loss to Tony Forson, the immediate past president of the GBA, and Yaw Boafo, the current national president, by thin margins of 67 and 65 votes, respectively.
Undeterred by these setbacks, Mrs Ghartey spent the past six years consistently voicing her intention to lead the GBA until her recent successful election.
In 1994, Mrs. Efua Ghartey co-founded Ghartey & Ghartey with Honourable Joe Ghartey.
Efua Ghartey, who was the immediate past chair of the Greater Accra branch of the GBA, has over 20 years of experience at the bar.
Her victory marks a significant milestone for the GBA, which has been led by male presidents since its inception.
In her acceptance speech, the GBA President-elect promised to protect the legal profession, expressing her Joy to be elected the first female President of the Association.
“I am humbled and honored to be the first female President of the Ghana Bar Association, this indeed is something new that the bar for the first time has entrusted leadership to the ladies.
“We shall make you proud. We shall make sure that you never regret this choice. What we ask for moving forward is that not only do you pray for us but also hold our hands,” said Efua Ghartey.
“I pledge to work tirelessly to promote the interests of lawyers, to protect the rule of law, and to advance the cause of justice in Ghana.”
Mrs Ghartey’s election has been hailed as a major breakthrough for women in the legal profession in Ghana. Her victory is seen as a testament to her hard work, dedication, and commitment to the advancement of the legal profession.
As President of the GBA, Efua Ghartey has promised to lead the organization’s efforts to promote the rule of law, protect the rights of lawyers, and advance the interests of the legal profession in Ghana.
Her inauguration ceremony is scheduled to take place on Monday, November 4, 2024.
In a statement, the outgoing GBA President, Yaw Boafo said that the GBA feels “proud to have Efua Ghartey as its first female President” and looks forward to working with her to achieve the set goals and objectives.
Global African Times Magazine will be sharing brief snippets of the calm, yet impactful and impressive rise of Mrs. Efua Ghartey.
We wish her a very impactful and successful tenure as president.
