By: Maltiti Sayida Sadick
Efua Ghartey has made history as the first woman to be elected President of the Ghana Bar Association (GBA) in its over 60-year history.
In her first media interview on GTV Breakfast with Maltiti Sayida Sadick, Ghartey shared her excitement and commitment to the role, noting the overwhelming support from young lawyers and the confidence reposed in her by the Association’s members.
“These are exciting times,” Ghartey said. “After about 25 male presidents of the Bar, it’s encouraging to see young lawyers rally behind me. I persisted after two failed attempts because the Bar had invested in me, and I strongly believe in giving back and impacting the younger generation of lawyers.”
Ghartey outlined her primary agenda as decentralising the operations of the Association, pointing to the growing membership, which has surged from around 60 lawyers in the 1990s to thousands today. She emphasised the need for the Bar Association to operate efficiently, noting that its expansion requires a new approach to governance and leadership.
“As the numbers have grown, we must ensure that we are on top of our game and that the Association is able to function effectively across the country,” she said.
The President-elect also highlighted the Association’s commitment to safeguarding the independence of the judiciary, stressing the critical role of the justice system in upholding fairness and impartiality. She also reiterated the GBA’s long-standing tradition of advocating for the rights of vulnerable groups and providing legal assistance to those with just causes. In addition, the Association has consistently intervened on behalf of lawyers who have faced challenges, including instances of brutality by law enforcement.
In a call to action, Ghartey encouraged women to offer their services in various fields within the legal profession, stressing the need for inclusivity and diversity in leadership roles.
The election of Efua Ghartey, who is a member of International Federation of Women Lawyers, marks a significant milestone for women lawyers in the African sphere, the Ghana Bar Association, and she is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the leadership, particularly in driving reforms that will benefit both the legal fraternity and the wider Ghanaian society.
She added that during her tenure as the Greater Accra Regional President of the GBA, she had worked with both the NPP and NDC governments, always keeping Ghana’s interests at the forefront.
“Since becoming Regional President, I’ve worked under both NPP and NDC administrations, and the overarching goal has been to achieve results with Ghana’s welfare as the primary focus,” Ghartey explained.