Efua Ghartey has made history as the first woman to be elected President of the Ghana Bar Association (GBA).
Her victory came during the GBA elections held at the Great Hall of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), where she secured 1,208 votes, defeating Kwadzo Dzakpasu, who received 1,060 votes. Efua Ghartey’s inauguration as GBA President is set for November 4, 2024.
This triumph follows two prior attempts to lead the Association, in which she narrowly lost to Tony Forson and Yaw Boafo, the immediate past and current national presidents, by 67 and 65 votes respectively.
Co-founder of Ghartey & Ghartey, a law firm established in 1994 alongside Joe Ghartey, Ms. Ghartey boasts over two decades of experience at the Bar. Her election marks a turning point for the GBA, traditionally led by male presidents since its inception.
In her acceptance speech, Efua Ghartey expressed both gratitude and a sense of responsibility, stating, “I am humbled and honoured to be the first female President of the Ghana Bar Association. This is something new – for the first time, the Bar has entrusted leadership to a woman.”
She promised to work diligently to protect the legal profession and serve the interests of lawyers across Ghana.
“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,” she added, pledging to advance the rule of law and justice in the country.
Efua Ghartey’s election has been celebrated as a significant milestone for women in Ghana’s legal profession. Her achievement is viewed as a testament to her perseverance, dedication, and commitment to the legal sector.
Outgoing GBA President Yaw Boafo expressed his pride in her election, stating, “The GBA feels proud to have Efua Ghartey as its first female President” and is eager to work with her toward achieving the Association’s goals.