Law students at the University of Ghana celebrated Efua Ghartey’s election as the first female President of the Ghana Bar Association (GBA), marking a pivotal moment for gender equality in the legal profession. Ghartey secured her historic victory at the GBA’s Annual General Conference, held in Kumasi from September 9 to 13, 2024.
The election, held on September 11, saw Ghartey win with 1,208 votes, narrowly defeating her opponent Kwadzo Dzakpasu, who garnered 1,060 votes. This victory is being hailed as a significant breakthrough for women in law, especially in Ghana, where leadership roles in the legal sector have long been dominated by men.
University of Ghana law students were enthusiastic about the win, expressing optimism for the future of gender equality in the profession. One student emphasized how Ghartey’s success challenges deep-seated patriarchal views in African traditions, which often see women as unfit for leadership. Another student underscored Ghartey’s potential as a role model, noting how her achievement breaks gender barriers.
“Her election is a direct challenge to the inherent patriarchal beliefs embedded in our customs and traditions that often undermine women’s leadership capabilities.”
“I think she’s going to serve as a role model to a lot of people, especially females, showing that once they set their minds to something, they can actually achieve it. Hopefully, this will be the first step in creating a society where having a woman as the president of an association is normalized.”
Excitement was also evident among students who look forward to her leadership, with one expressing joy over the increasing acceptance of female leaders in the country.
“It’s thrilling to see not just women running for office, but the wider Ghanaian community being open to electing them. Ghartey’s win is a testament to progress.”
Efua Ghartey’s election is seen as more than a personal accomplishment; it represents a major milestone for gender equality within Ghana’s legal profession, inspiring a new generation of female leaders and promoting a culture of inclusive leadership.
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Story by: Joycelyn Glory | universnews.ug.edu.gh
