Attorney General and Minister of Justice Godfred Yeboah Dame has commended the election of Efua Ghartey as the new president of the Ghana Bar Association (GBA), describing it as having divine significance.
He emphasized that her election comes at a crucial time for Ghana, coinciding with the passage of the Affirmative Action Act, which was signed into law by the President on July 30, 2024, after significant legislative hurdles.
Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony for the GBA president and executives in Accra on November 4, Dame reflected on the symbolic nature of Ghartey’s election, stating, “I mentioned to Mrs. Ghartey in Kumasi that her election seemed to carry a divine touch and is meant for a time like this.”
Dame also acknowledged Ghartey’s determination, noting that she was “third time lucky,” having been elected after two previous attempts.
He drew a parallel with her legal mentor, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, who also faced obstacles before attaining success.
He added, “Mrs. Efua Ghartey, your ascension to the leadership of the Bar is historic and marks a significant milestone in the history of the Bar in this country.
Since 1887, when John Mensah Sarbah became the first Ghanaian to be called to the Bar by Lincoln’s Inn, and in 1958, when the Ghana Bar Association adopted its first constitution with R. S. Blay as the first President, you have achieved the remarkable distinction of being the first woman president of the Ghana Bar. Indeed, you have shattered the glass ceiling of male dominance in the presidency of the Bar.”
The ceremony was attended by numerous dignitaries and members of the legal community, who all celebrated Ghartey’s historic achievement as the new president of the GBA.
Her election is viewed as a significant advancement in representation and leadership within the legal profession in Ghana.
