Private legal practitioner, Efua Ghartey has made history as the first woman to be elected President of the Ghana Bar Association (GBA).
This year’s elections took place at GBA annual general conference this year under the theme, “Strengthening the Rule of Law and Democratic Governance in Contemporary Ghana.” from
The election that took place on Wednesday, September 11, was a closely contested one, with Efua Ghartey securing 1,208 votes, defeating her opponent, Kwadzo Agbesi Dzakpasu, who amassed 1,060 votes.
Her election marks a pivotal moment in Ghana’s legal profession, breaking long-standing gender barriers and setting the stage for future female leaders in the sector.
As a co-founder of the law firm Ghartey & Ghartey, she has been a staunch advocate for alternative dispute resolution (ADR) and has contributed significantly to court-connected ADR systems. In addition, she has served in leadership positions in organizations such as the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) and the Greater Accra Branch of the GBA. Her long-standing commitment to the legal profession is also reflected in her involvement on various boards, including the Bible Society of Ghana and World Vision Ghana.
Moments after her victory, Efua Ghartey addressed her colleagues with a call for unity, emphasizing the importance of moving beyond divisions within the legal body.
“From this day forward, it is a united bar in service. No divisions, no factions, it is over. Something novel. That the bar, for the first time, has entrusted leadership to the ladies.”
Mrs Ghartey, a seasoned lawyer of over 30 years’ standing at the bar 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.
In the vice presidential race, Victoria Barth polled 1624 of the total votes to win the race defeating Ebenezer Kwaitoo who polled 495 votes.
Victoria Barth is an accomplished legal professional, well known for her stellar academic career at the Ghana School of Law, where she has mentored and taught many young lawyers.
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Story by: Joycelyn Glory | univers.ug.edu.gh
