The Attorney-General has withdrawn the case against the convener of the Democracy Hub protesters, who were apprehended for rallying against illegal mining (galamsey).
The demonstrators, who took to the streets to push for stronger government action against environmental destruction, were arrested and charged following their protest.
However, the Attorney-General’s office has officially dropped all charges, bringing the case to an end.
Approximately 53 individuals, including convenor Oliver Barker-Vormawor and Ama Governor, were among those detained during the protest.
The demonstration aimed to highlight the adverse effects of illegal mining on the environment, particularly its impact on farmland, rivers, and forests.
Environmental activists have persistently called attention to the widespread damage caused by unchecked mining activities.
The Accra Circuit Court has denied Elorm Ababio, widely known as Ama Governor, permission to travel outside Ghana.
Ama Governor is among the Democracy Hub demonstrators arrested and charged with offenses such as unlawful assembly and unlawful damage under the Criminal Offences Act of 1960 (Act 29) due to alleged illegal activities during the protest.
On Friday, October 11, 2024, during the trial, Ama Governor’s lawyer requested additional time to file necessary documents and sought the court’s approval for her to travel abroad for an engagement scheduled between Sunday, October 13, 2024, and Friday, October 18, 2024. The lawyer also asked the court to dismiss the charge of assault against her client.
However, State Attorney Amanda Awadi, representing the prosecution, opposed the travel request, stating they had not received formal notification regarding the application.
Presiding Judge Evelyn Asamoah ruled in favor of the prosecution, stating that Ama Governor’s legal team had not filed a proper application for the travel request. She encouraged them to do so in the future.
Additionally, Judge Asamoah instructed the prosecution to submit all outstanding witness statements and adjourned the case until October 30.
Previously, an Accra High Court had granted bail to nine protesters, including Ama Governor, who were arrested during a three-day demonstration organized by the Democracy Hub under the hashtags #ReOccupyJulorbiHouse and #StopGalamsey, which took place from September 21 to September 23, 2024. According to journalist Kwaku Asante, the state prosecutors had opposed the bail decision at that time.
“An Accra High Court presided over by Justice Comfort Tasiame has granted bail to Ama Governor and 8 others to the tune of GHC70k and two sureties. They are also to report to the police once a week.
“When the application for bail was moved, State Prosecutors opposed it,” he wrote.
The journalist also mentioned that additional hearings are scheduled for some of the other arrested protesters in different courts.
“This application is in respect of Ama Governor, Emmanuel Gyan, Emmanuel Kwabena Addo, Ziblim Yakubu, Oheneba Prempeh, Philip, Owusu Kobina, Akisibik Desmond, Von Coffie and Sadik Yakubu.
“There will be another application in a different court. We await the ruling of the Court,” he added.
Ama Governor was one of 53 protesters arrested in late September, who were later presented before the Accra High Court and remanded into police custody for two weeks.
The Accra Circuit Court has ruled that Elorm Ababio, popularly known as Ama Governor, must remain in Ghana after dismissing her request to travel abroad.
This decision was made on Friday, October 11, during the hearing of the Democracy Hub protesters’ case, where only nine of the 52 protesters appeared in court.
During the proceedings, State Attorney Amanda Awadi, leading the prosecution, informed the court that some disclosures had been submitted, but additional filings were still pending. She requested an adjournment to complete the filing process.
Ama Governor’s lawyer had asked the court for permission to allow her client to travel outside the country between October 13 and 18 for an engagement. Additionally, the lawyer sought to have the charge of assaulting a public officer against Ama Governor dismissed.
Another lawyer, representing Emmanuel Gyan, the second accused, also called for the charges against his client to be dropped, arguing that Gyan had not been involved in the protest on the date in question.
In response, the prosecution stated that they had not been formally informed of these developments.
Presiding Judge Evelyn Asamoah ruled that Ama Governor’s legal team had not filed a formal application for the travel request and urged them to do so. As a result, the travel request was denied.
The judge further instructed the prosecution to submit all remaining witness statements and adjourned the case to October 30.
Benjamin Akuffo, who had been arrested while visiting the protesters in custody, also appeared in court after being granted bail. His case was similarly adjourned to October 30, with directions for the prosecution to submit disclosures and witness statements.
The Accra High Court has granted bail to prominent social media influencer and lawyer Ama Governor, along with eight other remanded protesters.
The bail, set at ₵70,000, comes after the group was arrested and remanded for participating in a protest in Accra against illegal mining and economic hardships.
A total of 53 protesters remain in police and prison custody, following their involvement in the demonstration. The protest, held last weekend, was organized by the Democracy Hub group to raise awareness about the ongoing economic challenges and the environmental destruction caused by illegal mining. The police accused the protesters of committing various offences during the event.
The protestors’ legal counsel had initially applied for bail on an earlier date. However, a request was made for an Abridgement of Time to expedite the hearing. During a preliminary hearing on Monday, September 30, the Attorney General’s (AG) department requested additional time to review the case and respond to the bail application.
The AG’s request was granted, with the Court allowing the department until October 2 to submit its response. In their submission, the AG’s office argued that the bail application should have included essential documents, such as the charge sheet and proceedings from the Circuit Court, which had earlier denied the protestors’ bail.
Counsel for the protestors refuted this claim, stating that the AG’s department already had access to the charge sheet, as they were the ones who filed the charges. However, the AG’s department maintained that they did not have access to the Circuit Court’s proceedings or its ruling.
When the defense requested a brief adjournment of one hour to retrieve and attach the necessary documents, the court denied the request. Ultimately, the court sided with the State’s argument and adjourned the case to its original hearing date of October 7, 2024, which falls just one day before the expiration of the protestors’ remand order.
Ama Governor, who has been vocal on social media and within the legal community, was remanded into custody by the Accra Circuit Court for her role in the Democracy Hub protest. She and several other protesters appeared in court on September 24, under heavy security, following their arrest over the weekend.
Amid investigations, Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Godfred Dame, called on prosecutors to consider relevant bail applications for demonstrators involved in the recent Democracy Hub protest against illegal mining (galamsey).
His statement was made during the Annual Conference of the Association of Magistrates and Judges of Ghana (AMJG), held at the La Beach Hotel in Accra on Wednesday, October 2, 2024.
Addressing the gathering, the Attorney-General emphasized the importance of ensuring fairness in the ongoing legal proceedings related to the protest.
Prominent lawyer and social media influencer, Ama Governor, has delivered a powerful message in support of the ongoing #FreeTheCitizens protest, which seeks to combat the devastating effects of illegal mining, known as galamsey, and demand government accountability.
In a letter circulating on social media, Ama Governor hailed the resilience of Ghanaian youth for standing up against environmental destruction and political injustice.
“Dear Comrades, when I say ‘Aluta!’ You respond ‘Continua!’ Ghana has never seen a day as great as this 3rd October 2024, where Ghana Youth, in spite of the lines of division planted to subvert the strength in our unity, chooses to pick up camaraderie in marching side-by-side to fight against the devastating effects of illegal mining (galamsey) on the health, resources, and well-being of the Ghanaian people,” she wrote.
Ama Governor’s letter highlighted the significance of the protest, calling it a historic moment for Ghana’s youth, as they demand both environmental justice and the release of political prisoners.
“Nkrumah smiles as timidity wails in the face of the resilience demonstrated by this historic and remarkable protest. Today, Ghana Youth arises, and not only recommits to the single began by our foremothers and fathers, but has reignited the long-lost hope of realizing Nkrumah’s Ghana.”
On one of my prison runs I passed by the Legon police station and got this letter from @Ama_governor who, with more than 50 citizens, has been unfairly kept in jail for more than a week. Please show up onsite and/or show solidarity online ❤️💪🏾#FreeTheCitizens#StopGalamseyNowpic.twitter.com/JulVUBSHQN
However, the protest, which started peacefully, descended into chaos, leading to the arrest of 53 demonstrators, including prominent activists like Oliver Barker Vormawor, Grace Asantewaa, Felicity Nelson, and Ama Governor herself. Following their arrests, 11 of the detainees, including Ama Governor, were remanded into police custody after appearing before the Accra Circuit Court. They face charges including conspiracy to commit a crime, unlawful assembly, offensive conduct conducive to the breach of peace, and assault on a public officer.
Ama Governor, visibly frustrated, voiced her displeasure after being held for over 48 hours without legal representation, food, or water. As she was escorted to the courtroom, she made her sentiments clear: “You want to see a 26-year-old lawyer in handcuffs because she said, ‘Stop Galamsey Now.’ Forty-eight hours, no lawyer, 48 hours, no food, no water. Over 48 hours, you all should be proud. These people are ridiculous. Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery.”
In the aftermath of the arrests, Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Godfred Yeboah Dame, recommended that the prosecution consider bail applications during the next adjournment. “I will also advise the prosecution to consider relevant bail applications made at the next adjourned dates of the cases,” he stated.
However, his statement has been met with criticism. Ghanaian entertainment journalist, Olele Salvador, accused the Attorney-General of attempting to mislead the public. In a post titled “44 Laws of Fanfooling; Chapter 24,” Salvador pointed out that the Attorney-General’s office is leading the prosecution of the detained protesters, questioning why he would now call for bail consideration when his office is handling the case.
A police statement dated September 24, 2024, confirmed that “the case is being prosecuted by the Office of the Attorney-General,” raising skepticism about the sincerity of the Attorney-General’s comments.
As the #FreeTheCitizens protest continues to draw attention, the voices of young activists like Ama Governor are echoing louder, calling for justice and an end to the illegal mining practices that are devastating the nation’s environment.
Achimota Senior High School has joined the movement calling for the release of lawyer Elorm Ama Ababio, widely known as Ama Governor, following her arrest during the Democracy Hub demonstration against illegal mining, commonly referred to as galamsey.
In a social media post, the school shared a photo of Ama Governor, highlighting her as a proud alumna who graduated in 2016.
The post was accompanied by hashtags: #FreeTheRealAkoraElormAmaAbabio, #OAA2016, #FreeTheCitizens, #StopGalamseyNow, and #SayNoToGalamsey.
Ama Governor was among numerous participants in the demonstration led by Democracy Hub, which called for urgent action against illegal mining. Many of the demonstrators have since been remanded by the court for participating in what is deemed an unlawful assembly.
In light of these events, various stakeholders have expressed their support for the demonstrators’ release.
Ama Governor, a lawyer and social media influencer, who was remanded into custody for two weeks by the Accra Circuit Court for her participation in the Democracy Hub protest held last weekend, was sent to court for the second time on Thursday, September 26.
She was among several protesters who appeared in court on September 24, after being transported under heavy security in a bus. The group, numbering over 12, was arrested during the three-day protest at the 37 Roundabout, where demonstrators raised concerns about illegal small-scale mining (galamsey) and economic mismanagement.
In a video circulating on the X platform, Ama Governor was escorted back to the police bus that conveyed her to the court.
Ama Governor has been escorted back to the police bus as she was 'mistakenly' added to the protesters arraigned for court today.#3NewsGHpic.twitter.com/BOO98vwZJE
Ama has voiced her frustrations after being detained for over 48 hours without food or water following her arrest during the #OccupyJulorbiHouse demonstration over the weekend.
Ama Governor, as she was being escorted to the courtroom, shouted, “You want to see a 26-year-old lawyer in handcuffs because she said Stop Galamsey Now. 48 hours no lawyer, 48 hours no food, no water. Over 48 hours, you all should be proud. These people are ridiculous. Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery.”
Engaging the media following her arrest after standing on the pavement near the 37 lorry station over the weekend, she noted that she was assaulted by the police.
‘I don’t know why I have been picked up… they hit my neck,” she told the media.
The protesters were charged in court with conspiracy to commit a crime, specifically unlawful assembly. However, their legal representatives stated that they were not provided with the exact reasons for their arrests.
Prince Ganaku, a member of the Protest Defense team, also revealed that they are struggling to locate all 46 protesters who had been detained, claiming that the police may be planning to prolong their detention.
Mr. Ganaku added that the lawyers had requested information on the court where the Democracy Hub detainees would be arraigned to allow them to prepare a defense, but the police had not provided any details.
Ama Governor, a lawyer and social media influencer, voiced her outrage after being detained for over 48 hours without food or water following her arrest during the #OccupyJulorbiHouse demonstration over the weekend.
Ama Governor was among several protesters who were transported to court today under heavy security. The group, numbering over 12, was arrested during the three-day protest at the 37 Roundabout, where demonstrators raised concerns about illegal small-scale mining (galamsey) and the country’s economic mismanagement.
As she was escorted to the courtroom, Ama Governor shouted, “You want to see a 26-year-old lawyer in handcuffs because she said Stop Galamsey Now. 48 hours no lawyer, 48 hours no food, no water. Over 48 hours, you all should be proud. These people are ridiculous. Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery.”
The protest, organized to call attention to Ghana’s pressing social, environmental, and economic issues, resulted in the arrests of multiple participants. Ama Governor, a vocal participant, has highlighted the harsh treatment she endured during her detention.
Speaking to the media after her arrest, Ama Governor revealed she was standing on the pavement near the 37 lorry station when she was apprehended by the police. She also alleged that she was physically assaulted during the arrest.
“I don’t know why I have been picked up… they hit my neck,” she told the media.
The arrest and treatment of the lawyer-turned-influencer has sparked discussions on social media, with many raising concerns about police handling of peaceful protesters.
The #OccupyJulorbiHouse demonstration, named after a slang reference to the presidency, continues to gain attention as a platform for Ghanaians frustrated with the government’s handling of critical issues. So far, 39 of the arrested protestors who were arraigned yesterday have been remanded for two weeks.
Ama Governor, a lawyer and social media influencer, has voiced her frustrations after being detained for over 48 hours without food or water following her arrest during the #OccupyJulorbiHouse demonstration over the weekend.
She was among several protesters who appeared in court today after being transported under heavy security in a bus. The group, numbering over 12, was arrested during the three-day protest at the 37 Roundabout, where demonstrators raised concerns about illegal small-scale mining (galamsey) and economic mismanagement.
Ama Governor, as she was being escorted to the courtroom, shouted, “You want to see a 26-year-old lawyer in handcuffs because she said Stop Galamsey Now. 48 hours no lawyer, 48 hours no food, no water. Over 48 hours, you all should be proud. These people are ridiculous. Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery.”
Engaging the media following her arrest after standing on the pavement near the 37 lorry station over the weekend, she noted that she was assaulted by the police.
‘I don’t know why I have been picked up… they hit my neck,” she told the media.
The protesters were charged in court with conspiracy to commit a crime, specifically unlawful assembly. However, their legal representatives stated that they were not provided with the exact reasons for their arrests.
Prince Ganaku, a member of the Protest Defense team, also revealed that they are struggling to locate all 46 protesters who had been detained, claiming that the police may be planning to prolong their detention.
Mr. Ganaku added that the lawyers had requested information on the court where the Democracy Hub detainees would be arraigned to allow them to prepare a defense, but the police had not provided any details.
Lawyer Elorm Ababio, also known as Ama Governor, was among the dozens of Democracy Hub demonstrators arrested for engaging in various acts of lawlessness at the 37 Intersection in Accra.
Engaging the media following after her arrest after standing on the pavement near the 37 lorry station, she noted that she was assaulted by the police.
‘I don’t know why I have been picked up… they hit my neck,” she told the media.
The Ghana Police Service on Sunday, 22nd September 2024, arrested 42 individuals among the Democracy Hub demonstrators for engaging in various acts of lawlessness at the 37 Intersection in Accra.
The protesters, who had unlawfully assembled at the intersection, were seen attacking police officers performing their lawful duties, entering a police vehicle to remove the ignition key and throwing it away, pushing down police crash barriers, obstructing traffic, causing unlawful damage, and disturbing the peace, among other offenses.
In an official statement, the police noted that “all the suspects, including some of the leaders of the group, are in police custody and will be put before the court to face justice.”
The police are actively searching for the remaining perpetrators, including Oliver Vormawor, one of the group’s leaders, to bring them to justice.
The service thanked members of the public for their cooperation and assured that they remain committed to maintaining peace, security, law, and order.
‘I don’t know why I have been picked up… they hit my neck’
Elorm Ama-Governor and more than nine protesters were arrested by the police at 4:45 pm. while standing on the pavement near the 37 lorry station. This adds to the number of protesters who were arrested earlier in the… pic.twitter.com/02HWoSyqsn
Prominent social media personality, Bridget Otoo, has entreated Ghanaians to be circumspect in their discussions revolving around Elorm Ababio, also known as Ama Governor, who has finally been called to the bar after several failed attempts.
She noted that several activities can happen from now until she graduates, hence, she must be allowed the time as she begins a new chapter in her life.
In a post on X, she wrote, “If you really love Ama Governor, kindly stop talking about her until she graduates. I beg you, a lot can happen from now till graduation day…. We’ve seen it b4… I’m begging you, now is not the time to give your hot takes.. let her graduate in peace and then after you can open the flood gate and sing … whatever song.”
If you really love @Ama_governor kindly stop talking about her until she graduates.
I beg you, a lot can happen from now till graduation day…. We’ve seen it b4… I’m begging you, now is not the time to give your hot takes.. let her graduate in peace and then after you can open…
Ms. Elorm Ababio who has publicly disclosed her affiliation with the LGBTQ community joins 181 other individuals qualified to be called to the Bar on May 31, 2024.
According to a notice issued by the Director of the Ghana School of Law, the list of qualified individuals is not exhaustive and may change if the General Legal Council is made aware of any irregularities.
In October 2023, the Ghana Legal Council rejected Ghanaian social media influencer Elomi Ababio’s request to be called to the Bar.
The rejection was announced in a letter to Elomi Ababio, popularly known as Ama Governor, dated October 18, 2023.
“At the meeting of the General Legal Council held on Tuesday, 17th October 2023, your application to be called to the Bar was declined on account of elements noted in your public conduct prior to the application.
“You may complete the appropriate forms for application to be called to the Bar, any time there is a scheduled enrollment ceremony after the 20 October 2023 enrollment ceremony. In the meantime, Council will continue to monitor your conduct,” the letter read.
This comes after the Ghana Bar Association (GBA) representative’s report to the General Legal Council at the 2022/2023 bar conference held in Cape Coast disclosed that Elomi Ababio has been granted the opportunity to complete the application process for her bar call, scheduled for the October/November 2023 sessions.
She filed the appropriate forms to be called to the Bar, scheduled for October 20, 2023.
Prior to this, Ama Governor, faced a temporary setback in aspiring lawyer’s journey to the fraternity when a complaint was filed by a concerned citizen in November last year.
This complaint alleged that Ama Governor had engaged in conduct that was deemed “unbecoming of a bar applicant.”
As a result of this complaint, the General Legal Council decided to pause the process of calling Ama Governor to the bar.
This decision ignited significant reactions on both social media and in broader public discourse, sparking debates about the behavior of law students in Ghana.
Ama Governor vehemently rejected the allegations of misconduct, asserting that she had been treated unfairly throughout the ordeal.
Social media influencer, Elorm Ababio, also known as Ama Governor, has finally been granted the opportunity to be called to the bar after several failed attempts.
Ms. Elorm Ababio who has publicly disclosed her affiliation with the LGBTQ community joins 181 other individuals qualified to be called to the Bar on May 31, 2024.
According to a notice issued by the Director of the Ghana School of Law, the list of qualified individuals is not exhaustive and may change if the General Legal Council is made aware of any irregularities.
In October 2023, the Ghana Legal Council rejected Ghanaian social media influencer Elomi Ababio’s request to be called to the Bar.
The rejection was announced in a letter to Elomi Ababio, popularly known as Ama Governor, dated October 18, 2023.
“At the meeting of the General Legal Council held on Tuesday, 17th October 2023, your application to be called to the Bar was declined on account of elements noted in your public conduct prior to the application.
“You may complete the appropriate forms for application to be called to the Bar, any time there is a scheduled enrollment ceremony after the 20 October 2023 enrollment ceremony. In the meantime, Council will continue to monitor your conduct,” the letter read.
This comes after the Ghana Bar Association (GBA) representative’s report to the General Legal Council at the 2022/2023 bar conference held in Cape Coast disclosed that Elomi Ababio has been granted the opportunity to complete the application process for her bar call, scheduled for the October/November 2023 sessions.
She filed the appropriate forms to be called to the Bar, scheduled for October 20, 2023.
Prior to this, Ama Governor, faced a temporary setback in aspiring lawyer’s journey to the fraternity when a complaint was filed by a concerned citizen in November last year.
This complaint alleged that Ama Governor had engaged in conduct that was deemed “unbecoming of a bar applicant.”
As a result of this complaint, the General Legal Council decided to pause the process of calling Ama Governor to the bar.
This decision ignited significant reactions on both social media and in broader public discourse, sparking debates about the behavior of law students in Ghana.
Ama Governor vehemently rejected the allegations of misconduct, asserting that she had been treated unfairly throughout the ordeal.
The Ghana Legal Council’s (GLC) recent decision to decline the application of Ghanaian social media influencer Elomi Ababio, known as Ama Governor, to be admitted to the Bar has sparked mixed reactions among social media users. Some have commended the Council’s action, while others have criticized it.
In a letter dated October 13, the GLC cited concerns related to Ama Governor’s public behavior before her application for admission.
Prominent figures such as Ghanaian actress Lydia Forson and #FixTheCountry Convener, Oliver Barker-Vormawor, have voiced their opposition to the GLC’s ruling and cautioned against online harassment of Ama Governor.
There is a segment of social media users who argue that Ama Governor’s affiliation with the LGBTQ+ community disqualifies her from being called to the Bar. They express satisfaction with the GLC’s decision and call on Ama Governor to reconsider her actions.
In response, Oliver Barker-Vormawor noted that these individuals who are parading themselves morally upright fail to be moral themselves when it comes to abuse against the LGBTQ community.
“Particularly since there are so many of you, that will happily justify this abuse of power because it is Ama Governor! And as I have come to understand slowly your moral superiority looks the other way when persons perceived to be gay suffer abuse.”
He continued: “But truly, this has nothing to do with Ama Governor’s perceived sexuality. It is not! It is something more insidious; and explains why this country continues to fail to rise above its station!”
Oliver Barker-Vormawor, rebuked the GLC for the “abuse of power”. He noted that the Council seeks to impose a culture of silence and encourages the culture of exploitation.
What the GLC has done is really about it’s role in enforcing a culture of silence and observience that protects this system and culture of exploitation. They need conformity, control and the need for you to remember from time to time that they can control your life and take away your ambitions and future. That’s how they keep the system protected from attack from their own corner. That is what has made many law students and lawyers cockholds; and disempowered many of them as agents of change,” he wrote.
We need to put what the General Legal Council has done into its proper context. Particularly since there are so many of you, that will happily justify this abuse of power because it is Ama Governor! And as I have come to understand slowly your moral superiority looks the other… pic.twitter.com/ukFPsFFxR2
— Osagyefo Oliver Barker-Vormawor (@barkervogues) October 19, 2023
The Ghana Legal Council’s (GLC) decision to reject Ghanaian social media influencer Elomi Ababio’s request to be called to the Bar has met divided opinions, with a section of X users lauding the Council, while others condemn the resolution.
In a letter dated October 13 to Elomi Ababio, popularly known as Ama Governor, the Council noted that its rejection was based on account of elements noted in your public conduct prior to the application.
The likes of Lydia Forson, a Ghanaian actress, #FixTheCountry Convener, Oliver Barker-Vormawor, have opposed the GLC’s decision and warned against the trolling of Ama Governor.
A number of X users have noted that Ama Governor’s affiliation with the LGBTQ+ community makes her unfit to be called to the Bar. For many, they are elated by the Council’s decision and have called on Ama Governor to mend her ways.
Reacting to this, Lydia Forson has jabbed these critics, noting that they would not be remembered in history as they would be forgotten for failing to stand against the system.
“Ama Govenor will be fine, she may suffer a lot of pain, hurt, and frustration, but eventually she will be fine. History never remembers the silent, but those who challenged the system and made their voices heard. You and your trolling on the other hand will be forgotten,” she wrote.
Oliver Barker-Vormawor, on the other hand, rebuked the GLC for the “abuse of power”. He noted that the Council seeks to impose a culture of silence and encourages the culture of exploitation.
“Particularly since there are so many of you, that will happily justify this abuse of power because it is Ama Governor! And as I have come to understand slowly your moral superiority looks the other way when persons perceived to be gay suffer abuse. But truly, this has nothing to do with Ama Governor’s perceived sexuality.
“It is not! It is something more insidious; and explains why this country continues to fail to rise above its station! What the GLC has done is really about it’s role in enforcing a culture of silence and observience that protects this system and culture of exploitation. They need conformity, control and the need for you to remember from time to time that they can control your life and take away your ambitions and future. That’s how they keep the system protected from attack from their own corner. That is what has made many law students and lawyers cockholds; and disempowered many of them as agents of change,” he wrote in an X post.
We need to put what the General Legal Council has done into its proper context. Particularly since there are so many of you, that will happily justify this abuse of power because it is Ama Governor! And as I have come to understand slowly your moral superiority looks the other… pic.twitter.com/ukFPsFFxR2
— Osagyefo Oliver Barker-Vormawor (@barkervogues) October 19, 2023
Interestingly, the Independent Ghana while reporting on the recent matter, discovered that Barker-Vormawor and Ama Governor do have some sort of relationship.
It cannot be said that the two are allies, but one can say they do have a cordial relationship.
On October 1, Ama Governor, shared images of her conversation with Barker Vormawor.
The conversation begins with Ama Governor asking if Oliver sides with the National Democratic Congress (NDC). This question was premised on the allegations that Oliver is an NDC member due to his stern criticism of the NPP government.
Oliver denied siding with the NDC. “Never have been. Never will be” he wrote.
In response, Ama wrote: “Oh Lord. Why are these people lying?. Tsw. Love you forever Oliver.”
Oliver then informs Ama that he a staunch supporter of the Convention People’s Party (CPP).
“Never even voted for either the NDC or NPP. Always voted CPP and only ever people to vote the CPP.”
Oliver then told Ama that on social media “people say all kinds of things”.
Later, Ama asked for Oliver’s permission to share their conversation to the public. An unperturbed Oliver said “Sure. Nothing out”.
The recent decision by the Ghana Legal Council (GLC) to deny law graduate and YouTuber, Ama Governor, the chance to be called to the Bar for the second time has stirred widespread debate, reaching a fever pitch with prominent activist Oliver Barker-Vormawor suggesting a protest at the Supreme Court.
In a series of impassioned tweets, Barker-Vormawor criticised the GLC’s actions, insinuating an abuse of power and suppression of dissenting voices.
“What the GLC has done is really about its role in enforcing a culture of silence and obedience,” he wrote, emphasising the council’s control over individual fates and ambitions. His comments hinted at a broader societal issue, where conformity is prized, and the status quo, protected at all costs.
Calling for collective action, Barker-Vormawor asked, “If I called a protest at the Supreme Court, how many lawyers will show up! How many will show up for Ama Governor?” His call to arms, highlighting a struggle that transcends Ama Governor’s personal ordeal, aims to confront a system perceived to be exploiting its power and hindering social progress.
Support for his stance emerged from various quarters. Lawyer Jonathan A. Alua, known on Twitter as [@abotiwine], echoed Barker-Vormawor’s concerns about the “dangerous precedent” being set by the GLC, pointing out the council’s seeming arbitrariness could one day affect other legal practitioners.
“It’s all fun and games until the arbitrariness touches you personally,” he warned, highlighting the slippery slope the legal profession faces if such practices go unchallenged.
Actress Lydia Forson also took to Twitter to underscore the historical significance of challenging oppressive systems, and added a dash of encouraging words for Ama Governor.
@lydiaforson: Ama Governor will be fine… History never remembers the silent, but those who challenged the system and made their voices heard.” Her message resonated with many, reflecting a growing public sentiment in favour of individuals standing against systemic injustices.
However, not all feedback was supportive. Some, like Twitter user N. K. Aning (@nana_aning1), advocated a more nuanced view. He questioned the public’s emotional response and urged consideration of the facts, including Ama Governor’s open identification with a community considered outside the legal norms in Ghana.
“Should the GLC break their ethics and codes for her? History will tell,” he posted, highlighting the complexity of the situation.
This issue continues to play out in the public arena, reflecting deep societal rifts over professional ethics, personal freedoms, and the rights of individuals versus the collective.
With Barker-Vormawor’s proposed protest, it appears the stage is set for a potentially significant confrontation that could test the foundations of Ghana’s legal and social systems.
Social media has erupted in passionate debates following the General Legal Council’s (GLC) decision to reject for the second time the application of YouTuber Elorm Ababio, known as Ama Governor, to be called to the Bar.
The GLC’s rationale centred around her public conduct, sparking a tumult of opinions on Twitter about religious values, professional ethics, and LGBTQ rights.
Central to the debate was a tweet from user Oh Menua (@Oh_Menua), who challenged religious individuals’ support for Ama Governor.
“If you are Christian or a Muslim or Traditionalist in this country and you support Ama Governor, then there’s something wrong with you. LGBTQ,” the tweet read.
Some users, like @GhanaSocialU, echoed Menua’s sentiment, questioning how believers could back someone advocating for LGBTQ rights, conflicting with traditional religious teachings.
Contrastingly, @profdublyn_zee brought a different biblical perspective, highlighting Jesus’s association with societal outcasts and urging for empathy and understanding.
The conversation expanded as other Twitter users weighed in.
@StrictlyAGuy and @headwest_ argued that supporting Ama Governor’sright to fair treatment did not equate to endorsing LGBTQ, suggesting the need for compassion in judgment.
In contrast, @BarsManX expressed confusion about Ama’s choice to stand with a community considered outside legal boundaries in Ghana, thereby questioning her commitment to legal standards.
The religious argument gained further traction with @bos_leg citing specific religious texts against homosexuality, and @Bansistone calling out perceived hypocrisy among believers. Meanwhile, @Chris_Oppong1 advocated for a more nuanced view, suggesting that while people might oppose certain actions on various grounds, including nature, this should not extend to judging individuals for whom the reasons behind their choices remain unknown.
These fiery exchanges on social media reflect the societal upheaval stirred by the GLC’s decision, highlighting the ongoing struggle in balancing professional ethics, personal freedoms, and societal norms.
The Council’s move, detailed in a public statement, comes after a thorough investigation into Ama Governor’s activities, including widely circulated videos demonstrating what was deemed misconduct.
While specifics remain confidential, the implications are clear: Ama Governor’s public expressions, potentially linked to her LGBTQ advocacy, have put her career in jeopardy. Despite this setback, the door remains open for future applications, though with a stern reminder that her conduct remains under stringent observation.
For the first time in Ghana, the judicial system is actually working 👏👏
Ama Governor is a clown 🤡 and who needs to be arrested because her sexuality. We know the law frowns against such silly act. pic.twitter.com/GGSwvfpEBw
The intense public and legal scrutiny faced by Ama Governor is not just about one individual’s career trajectory but speaks to broader issues of human rights, societal norms, and the evolving landscape of what is deemed acceptable in a progressively interconnected world.
Ghanaian actress Lydia Forson has descended on netizens for trolling Popular Youtuber Miss Elorm Ababio, also known as Ama Governor
These trolls come at the back of yet another setback in her journey to be called to the bar as a lawyer.
The General Legal Council (GLC) announced on Wednesday, October 18, 2023; that it had suspended the Call to the Bar application by Ama Governor.
Despite having successfully passed all her mandatory examinations in 2022, the GLC’s decision is based on a scrutiny of her conduct leading up to her application, as revealed in a letter signed by Judicial Secretary, Justice Cyra Pamela C. A. Koranteng.
This development has gained significant attention on social media platforms, with users sharing their thoughts and opinions on the matter. Ama Governor has now been in the spotlight multiple times over issues related to her Call to the Bar.
Some criticised Ama Governor, suggesting that her recent pronouncements about her sexuality and the outcome of the committee that heard the anonymous petition against her call last year may have contributed to her current situation.
On the other hand, there are those who defend her right to be who she wants to be and question the need for the GLC’s current position. Among those backing her is Lydia Forson, taking to her Twitter handle, said “Ama Govenor will be fine, she may suffer a lot of pain, hurt, and frustration, but eventually she will be fine. History never remembers the silent, but those who challenged the system and made their voices heard. You and your trolling on the other hand will be forgotten”
The debate over personal conduct and professional ethics has taken centre stage in the legal community following the General Legal Council’s recent decision to decline the application of an aspiring barrister, popularly known as Ama Governor, to be called to the Bar.
The controversy ignited on social media platforms where users voiced strong opinions on the Council’s resolution. One Twitter user, @ritly_, was particularly vocal, criticising Ama Governorfor publicly identifying as a member of the LGBTQ community, a move considered by many as flouting the societal norms and legal tenets in the region.
“AMA Governor should know there are rules to every game. Every profession has codes and ethics. If she can’t adhere to these codes and ethics, then she should stop writing these applications,” @ritly_ tweeted.
Commenters like Nii Moe (@Nii_Moe_) and Richard Amoatey (@Amoateybi) echoed these sentiments, suggesting that Ama Governor’s openness about her views and identity could perennially hamper her acceptance into the legal profession.
They touched upon the critical need for aspiring barristers to conform to established standards, implying that personal beliefs should remain private to avoid professional repercussions.
“From look of things, she will be denied a million times if she appeal a million times,” @Nii_Moe_
“It seems that insofar as you don’t make your views and deeds public you are good,” @Amoateybi
The discourse stems from a protracted scrutiny process by the General Legal Council. In November 2022, the Council formed a committee to investigate Ama Governor following the widespread circulation of videos that allegedly depicted her in misconduct unbecoming of a candidate aspiring to join the legal profession.
Though initially green-lighting her potential entry to the Bar, subject to observation and future consideration, the Council rescinded its tentative approval.
In a statement released after their meeting on October 17, 2023, they cited issues with Ama Governor’s public conduct leading up to her application as the basis for the denial.
This outcome has provoked an outcry and sparked intense discussions online and within the legal community. Stakeholders are grappling with the delicate balance between upholding the integrity and ethical standards of the legal profession and respecting individuals’ rights to free expression.
Adding to the discourse, Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, in response to the uproar, highlighted the paramount importance of appropriate conduct for legal practitioners. She expressed dismay over the public’s reaction, emphasising the sector’s strict criteria. “Your conduct cannot be obscene and offensive and you expect to be admitted. It doesn’t work like that. Your comments on social media, your ex parte communication with a judge, are extremely critical,” she clarified at an event in Accra.
The Chief Justice gives the reason why Ama Governor, a social media influencer wasn’t called to the bar and may still not be called to the bar. pic.twitter.com/YoiIoqdKTn
Amidst these debates, the General Legal Council maintains its stance, affirming that Ama Governor may reapply for future enrolment ceremonies post-October 2023. However, they assert her activities will continue to be under stringent observation, underscoring the profession’s unwavering commitment to ethical excellence.
This development serves as a poignant reminder of the expectations placed on legal practitioners and aspirants. It underscores the notion that beyond academic qualifications, the character and public deportment of individuals are crucial factors in determining their suitability for this noble profession.
The General Legal Council (GLC) has reversed its earlier decision to admit Ms. Elorm Ababio, who is widely recognized on social media as Ama Governor, to the bar.
This change was communicated in a letter dated October 18, 2023, signed by Justice Cynthia Pamela Addo, the Secretary to the GLC.
The GLC explained that although Ms. Ababio had submitted the appropriate application and was initially scheduled to be called to the bar on October 20, 2023, the council has now reconsidered its decision.
According to the letter, upon receiving her application, Ms. Ababio had been informed that her conduct would be closely monitored by the Council, in adherence to the regulations governing the legal profession.
“In line with the General Legal Council’s letter dated 13th March, 2023, Council was to observe and monitor your conduct during the time leading up to the submission of your application to be called to the bar” the GLC stated.
The letter indicated that Ms Ababio couldn’t meet the criteria, hence her application to be called to the Ghanaian bar has been declined.
“At the meeting of the General Legal Council held on Tuesday, 17th October, 2023, your application to be called to the bar was declined on account of elements noted in your public conduct prior to the application,” the Council explained.
The General Legal Council (GLC) has allowed Ms. Elorm Ababio, popularly known as Ama Governor, to re-apply for admission to the bar any time after October 20, 2023.
The GLC will continue to monitor Ms. Ababio’s conduct until it is satisfied that she meets the standards required for admission to the bar.
Elorm Ama Ababio, also known as Ama Governor, is a Ghanaian YouTuber, social media influencer, and aspiring lawyer. In November 2022, a complaint was filed against her for behavior on social media that was deemed unsuitable for the legal profession. The complainant argued that Ama had been featured in viral videos that were not in line with the conduct expected of a prospective lawyer.
As a result, she was denied admission to the bar, despite having completed her legal studies, passed her exams, and successfully completed her interview. Ama, along with the support of various Ghanaians on social media, engaged in legal battles and online petitions against the General Legal Council.
In September, Ama publicly asserted that her sexual orientation should not be a barrier to her admission to the bar. She claimed victory in her legal battle against the Council and was set to be called to the bar in October 2023. However, with only a few days remaining before her enrollment ceremony, she has been informed that she must re-apply.
The Ghana Legal Council has rejected Ghanaian social media influencer Elomi Ababio’s request to be called to the Bar.
The rejection was announced in a letter to Elomi Ababio, popularly known as Ama Governor, dated October 18, 2023.
“At the meeting of the General Legal Council held on Tuesday, 17th October 2023, your application to be called to the Bar was declined on account of elements noted in your public conduct prior to the application.
“You may complete the appropriate forms for application to be called to the Bar, any time there is a scheduled enrollment ceremony after the 20 October 2023 enrollment ceremony. In the meantime, Council will continue to monitor your conduct,” the letter read.
This comes after the Ghana Bar Association (GBA) representative’s report to the General Legal Council at the 2022/2023 bar conference held in Cape Coast disclosed that Elomi Ababio has been granted the opportunity to complete the application process for her bar call, scheduled for the October/November 2023 sessions.
She filed the appropriate forms to be called to the Bar, scheduled for October 20, 2023.
Prior to this, Ama Governor, faced a temporary setback in aspiring lawyer’s journey to the fraternity when a complaint was filed by a concerned citizen in November last year.
This complaint alleged that Ama Governor had engaged in conduct that was deemed “unbecoming of a bar applicant.”
As a result of this complaint, the General Legal Council decided to pause the process of calling Ama Governor to the bar.
This decision ignited significant reactions on both social media and in broader public discourse, sparking debates about the behavior of law students in Ghana.
Ama Governor vehemently rejected the allegations of misconduct, asserting that she had been treated unfairly throughout the ordeal.
Elorm Ama Ababio, a vlogger and aspiring lawyer, popularly known as Ama Governor, has recently disclosed that she faced rejection from two prominent law firms in Ghana when seeking pupilage.
The rejection appeared to have occurred possibly due to her participation in the #OccupyJulorbiHouse demonstration.
Ama Governor, as she is widely known, shared her experience on Twitter, expressing her feelings regarding the firms’ decisions to decline her. She mentioned that her interviews with both firms, which took place before the protest, had been highly successful.
Although she did not reveal the names of the law firms in question, Ama Governor indicated that both firms had initially contacted her after the protest.
However, in a disheartening turn of events, she was later notified that she did not secure a position at either firm. She expressed her emotional distress, stating that she had been in tears since receiving the news.
Ghanaian YouTuber Elorm Ababio, widely recognized as Ama Governor, has expressed her exasperation regarding the struggling economy and the resulting hardships faced by ordinary Ghanaian citizens.
Joining the group of protestors on day 3 of #OccupyJulorbihouse demonstration in Accra on September 23, 2023, she detailed the hardship she faces despite having 3 jobs.
She explained that she teaches as a swimming instructor,works as a social media influencer, works on her YouTube career, and practicing law.
“I have four different sources of income, and I take the trotro everyday because I can’t afford anything. Detailing the number of times she eats in a day, she said ” I eat 0-1-0 or 0-0-1 , do you know what that means? Not eating breakfast, not eating lunch, and just supper”.
Emphasizing her struggles with taking public transport, she said “I even struggle to take the trotro, sometimes”
Ama Governor, who had previously faced denial of access to the bar due to a filed petition against her, revealed that she has ultimately triumphed in the case and is now scheduled to be admitted to the bar in October 2023.
However, in a surprising turn of events, a recent report from the Ghana Bar Association (GBA) representative on the General Legal Council confirmed that Ama Governor has been granted permission to finalize the application procedures for her call to the bar during the October/November 2023 sessions.
Social media influencer and aspiring lawyer, Elorm Ama Ababio, widely recognized as Ama Governor, has publicly acknowledged her queer sexuality for the first time.
Her sexual orientation played a role in her not being called to the bar last year. A petition was submitted to the General Legal Council (GLC) by an anonymous “concerned citizen” who argued that her actions were inappropriate for an aspiring lawyer.
It’s worth noting that LGBTQ individuals and activities face disapproval from a significant portion of Ghanaian society due to deep-rooted cultural beliefs.
Despite successfully passing the bar exams, it appears that the petition had an impact, leading to the removal of Elorm Ama Ababio’s name from the list of individuals scheduled to be called to the bar in 2022 by the General Legal Council (GLC).
Her situation sparked public outrage, with many asserting that she had been treated unfairly.
More recently, Ama Governor has been granted the opportunity to undergo the application process to be called to the bar during the October/November 2023 session.
Addressing the matter during the OccupyJulorbiHouse demonstrations held on September 23, 2023, she maintained that she had not been treated fairly by the GLC. She argued that, especially considering her strong defense and the refutation of the allegations made by the anonymous “concerned citizen,” she deserved to be called to the bar.
She emphasized that only one of the allegations made by the petitioner was accurate, and even that should not have been sufficient grounds to prevent her from pursuing a legal career.
“And the last one is the fact of my sexuality that I sleep with women. I said that is not a lie; I do sleep with women, that is a fact. But it is not grounds for me to not be called to the bar, and that is it…
“My sexuality, I am queer, I am pansexual; yes, I sleep with women, but it is not a ground upon which you can say I am not fit to be called to the bar, and that was our defence, and we won,” she told a Joy News journalist covering the demonstration.
Ghanaian social media influencer Elomi Ababio, more commonly referred to as Ama Governor, has become part of the #OccupyJulorbiHouse protests and has criticized the current government for the prevailing hardships in the country.
Speaking to Joy News, she called on the government to address the pressing issues that have long plagued the nation, emphasising that the youth will not stop protesting until things change.
Expressing her frustration, she lamented that despite having four sources of income, she still struggles to take public transportation. “I have been working for 7 years, but there is nothing to show for it, the government should give us a break”
Making reference to her refusal to be called to the bar, “she said the one that I have worked the hardest for, my law career gets blocked by an anonymous petition, questioning the human rights law in the country.
“We are not dumb, we are suffering ,we need jobs “she lamented
Also citing the recent scandal around Cecilia Dapaah, who is currently under investigation by the OSP for corruption and corruption-related offences after two of her houses helps were charged for stealing more than $1 million, €300,000 in cash and other valuable items from her residence at Abelemkpe.
According to Ama Govenor, instead of finding the source of the alleged stolen funds, govt is rather applauding Cecilia Dapaah for her services.
“Look at the amount of money that was found in our madam’s house, yet what did they do? They thanked her for her services and let her go” she said ,adding that “according to the constitution, if you are in that kind of position, you are to declare all assets ,so later if you are in possession of an amount of money, you can be questioned “
She demanded that things must change in the country.
The OccupyJulorbiHouse protest has gained significant traction in recent weeks, drawing attention from various segments of society. Its primary goal is to advocate for better governance and urge the country’s leadership to address the pressing issues that have long plagued the nation. Citizens have been coming together, demanding reforms in areas such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, and economic policies.
The General Legal Council is set to grant Ghanaian YouTuber Elorm Ababio, also known as Ama Governor, the opportunity to submit an application for admission to the Ghana Bar In October or November 2023.
This decision comes after several months of investigations initiated in response to a complaint received by the Council regarding alleged misconduct attributed to Ama Governor.
The accusations centered around her behavior, which was deemed inappropriate for a prospective Bar applicant, and were based on widely circulated videos.
In a statement, the General Legal Council said “after consideration of the report, Council decided to permit the student to complete appropriate forms for application to be called to Bar in October/November 2023”.
Ama Governor will be under Council scrutiny, with her behavior closely observed in the period leading up to her application for Bar admission.
The statement also adds that “Council further decided that should the application to be called to the Bar be successful, the student will be required to give special undertaking to be of good behaviour and not to repeat any conduct which may bring the profession into disrepute whilst enrolled on the roll of Lawyers in Ghana.
The legal profession in Ghana is known for its strict code of conduct and ethics, especially when it comes to appearance and attire.
Lawyers are expected to dress in a formal and conservative manner, with black and white as the dominant colours.
However, some lawyers have challenged this norm by expressing their personal style and preferences, sometimes causing controversy and criticism.
One of such lawyers is Gloria Akuffo, who served as the Attorney General and Minister of Justice of Ghana from 2017 to 2021.
During her tenure, she often made headlines for her choice of accessories, particularly her anklet. She was seen wearing an anklet to various public functions, including parliament, where she represented the government in legal matters.
2017: Gloria Akuffo in parliament to move a motion for the reintroduction of the Special Prosecutor’s (SP)
According to a report by Ghanaweb, she once explained that she wears the anklet as a token of remembrance for a young lady friend of hers who gave it to her as a gift. She said the young lady found her inspiring and that she was her mentor. She also said that she loves beads and that it is part of her choice of clothing.
She also reportedly said that she likes to shop in the young people sections when she goes shopping. She said that anklet has no special meaning or significance, but that it is just a habit and a preference.
2018: Gloria Akuffo in an interview with Paul Adom Otchere on Metro TV’s Good Evening Ghana | Image Source: Good Evening Ghana Official (Facebook)
However, the anklet was not the only thing that many people were uncomfortable with. Madam Gloria Akuffo also had a habit of showing some skin when she wore dresses or skirts.
When she was not in the lawyer’s robe or not in a pantsuit, she was most often seen in dresses or skirts that were above her knee when standing.
This meant, when she did sit down, the clothes would get shorter, revealing great portions of her thighs.
It is for this reason, many are shocked by the GLC and the GBA’s stance on lawyer-in-waiting, Elorm Ama Ababio, popularly known as Ama Governor.
Ama Governor is a Ghanaian YouTuber, social media influencer and lawyer-in-waiting. In November 2022, she was denied the call to the Ghana Bar even though she completed the law programme, passed her exams and aced her interview session.
Ama Governor acquired an LLB Degree from the University of Ghana in 2020, with a 3.32 GPA and in the Second Class Upper Division. Image Credit: Ama Governor [Instagram]
According to her, the reason for this denial was a petition by an anonymous individual who accused her of lacking good character and moral fitness to be a lawyer. The petition cited some of her YouTube videos where she discussed her sexual experience with a woman. The petition also alleged that she wore nose rings to school, which was considered inappropriate and unprofessional.
Sources say this is the petitionSources say this is the petition
Ama Governor has however repeatedly denied these allegations and has said that she had complied with the dress code and rules of the Ghana School of Law. She said that she had never worn her nose rings to school and that she had always inverted her septum piercing when attending classes. She also said that she had never had any conflict with anyone in school and that her YouTube content was not obscene or offensive.
Ama Governor
She said that the petition was frivolous and malicious and that it should not have been entertained by the GLC. She said that she won the case against the unidentified petitioner after a hearing where they agreed with her submissions. However, she said that she has not received any update on her status as a lawyer since then.
She also said that her name has been dragged in the most undignified ways by some people who have used her as a bad example of people unworthy of the Ghana Bar. She said that she does not recognize the person they are trying to describe her as and that she thinks she is very fit to be called.
Ama Governor with a graduation stole
Following this, as expected there were divided opinions. Some say she deserves everything she is getting because they do not agree with her having tattoos, wearing nose rings and discussing her queerness publicly.
Others who sympathised with her plight, questioned why she is being “crucified” when if the matter of wardrobe choices should come up, many Ghanaians expressed discomfort with the former Attorney General’s wardrobe choices, and nothing was said or done about that.
They argued that there was a double standard and a bias against Ama Governor because of her gender, age and sexuality. They said that Gloria Akuffo was allowed to wear an anklet and show some skin without any consequences, while Ama Governor was denied the call to the Bar for wearing nose rings and expressing her views.
Below are some comments under the Good Evening Ghana post of her interview on Facebook in 2018
Could she be practicing law right now if she had chosen to keep these aspects of her identity private?
Some also pointed out that the GLC and the GBA have not addressed other issues of misconduct and corruption among lawyers and judges, but have focused on trivial matters such as appearance and attire.
They called for a reform of the legal system and a review of the criteria for admission to the Bar. They said that the GLC and the GBA should be more transparent, fair and consistent in their decisions and actions. They also said that Ama Governor should be given a chance to pursue her dream of becoming a lawyer.
What do you think of this controversy? Do you think Ama Governor should be called to the Bar or not? Do you think Gloria Akuffo’s dressing was appropriate or not? Do you think this comparison is valid?
Ama Governor, a 24-year-old law school graduate from the University of Ghana, has been defending herself against allegations that have marred her reputation and stalled her dreams of being called to the Bar.
Proclaiming her innocence in a Twitter rant, Ama asserted that there was no misconduct on her part during her time at the Ghana School of Law (GSL).
Ama’s case gained attention after an anonymous petitioner sought to deny her a call to the Bar.
According to her, she however emerged victorious after the petition, which she describes as “frivolous” was swiftly dismissed by the Ghana Legal Council (GLC).
“This obviously frivolous petition that should not have passed the prima facie test, but which managed to stop my life, was thrown out in the very first hearing within 15 minutes. They just said they have read our written submission and agree with us wholeheartedly, and so they do not wish to address me on anything in the petition.”
𝚎𝚕𝚘𝚛𝚖 @Ama_governor [Twitter]
Nevertheless, the ordeal has left her name tainted, and she continues to be allegedly used as a “bad example” in law classes.
“Since 6th November 2022, my name continues to be dragged in the most undignified ways. I hear in law classes, I am used as a bad example of people unworthy of the Ghana Bar. When people like the Honourable CJ also talks about you like this, I’m sorry, but I do not recognize the person you are attempting to describe me as. Me? Immoral? Unfit? Misconducting myself how?”
𝚎𝚕𝚘𝚛𝚖 @Ama_governor [Twitter]
Ama Governor in Twitter thread, vehemently denied any wrongdoing during her time at the GSL. She emphasized that there was “nothing about any crime” or misconduct attributed to her, either in school or outside. Ama highlighted the ‘Book of Shame,’ a disciplinary measure used by the GSL to catch students who misconduct themselves, and asserted that she had never been subjected to it.
“NOTHING ABOUT ANY CRIME I HAVE COMMITTED OR ANY MISCONDUCT ON MY PART WHETHER IN SCHOOL OR OUT OF SCHOOL, NEVER A PRONOUNCEMENT OF MISCONDUCT. NOT ONE TIME. I COULD HAVE BEEN CAUGHT BY THE ‘BOOK OF SHAME’ – GHANA SCHOOL OF LAW’S WAY OF CATCHING STUDENTS WHO MISCONDUCT THEMSELVES, OR HAVE BEEN REPORTED BY A TEACHING OR NON TEACHING STAFF AT GSL. I WAS NOT A TERRIBLE LAW STUDENT OR PERSON WHILE STUDYING LAW,” SHE WROTE.
𝚎𝚕𝚘𝚛𝚖 @Ama_governor [Twitter]
Despite her dedication and commitment to her legal studies, Ama found herself facing serious accusations. The unidentified petitioner claimed that she was not fit to be called to the bar based on three grounds. Two of these grounds, according to Ama, were exposed as complete fabrications when Ama and her lawyer presented videos that rebutted the claims.
The first accusation revolved around a video Ama and her classmates had made to introduce law school life to outsiders.
The petitioner falsely interpreted the video as tarnishing the school’s reputation by suggesting that law students slept in class. Ama firmly denied this, stating that the video was meant to be lighthearted and welcoming.
“The petitioner stated three grounds upon which they believed that I was not fit to be a lawyer. Two of them were complete fabrications which interestingly enough were rebutted by the very videos the petitioner attached to a pen drive on which they relied. Can you imagine? The two fallacious grounds were that, I can be seen in a widely circulated video with other GSL students tarnishing the schools reputation. Ei. They were referencing this video o: A video my classmates and I made for all persons outside the legal so where who want to become a part of us.
𝚎𝚕𝚘𝚛𝚖 @Ama_governor [Twitter]
The second false allegation targeted Ama’s choice to wear nose rings to school. However, Ama clarified that she had always complied with the GSL’s expectations, even when there were no explicit rules against nose rings. Despite her efforts to follow the guidelines, she found herself unfairly attacked for her personal choices.
Ama then went on to defend the identity and advocacy she pursued on social media. She had shared her journey, documenting her life experiences related to body autonomy, feminism, body positivity, queerness, women’s sexual reproductive health, self-worth, and women’s sexual liberation. Ama wondered if her advocacy for these important issues had been misconstrued as a “crime” years later.
“I was a girl who began studying law at 18 years at the University of Ghana and who having just gotten her first phone in uni, was mesmerized by YouTube, first of all and other social media platforms. I not only amassed an active following but shared everything I’ve learned to be the woman I am today through the law by digitally documenting my life: body autonomy, feminism, body positivity, embodying my queerness, women’s sexual reproductive health, self-worth, confidence, women’s sexual liberation, and I would create content around this.
Was this my crime? Was someone to tell me at 18 that this would be considered a crime 6 yrs later? What was my actual crime? What did I do? What did the Ama Governor girl actually do wrong?”
YouTuber and law graduate, Ama Governor, who was denied her call to the bar in November 2022, has alleged that she is being used as an “example” of people unworthy of the Ghana Bar in law classes.
She said that this was part of continuous efforts to tarnish her image and spread false information about her, by some people.
In a series of tweets posted on Tuesday, Ama Governor shared how she received a notice from the General Legal Council (GLC) [the body that regulates the legal profession in Ghana], on 6th November 2022, informing her that her call to the bar had been suspended due to a petition filed by a concerned citizen of Ghana on 3rd November 2022.
Ama claims that the petition alleged that she had engaged in improper conduct that tarnished the reputation of the Ghana School of Law (GSL) and that she was queer and slept with women.
She said her lawyer submitted a written legal response to the petition, arguing that the first two grounds were false and based on fabricated evidence and that the third ground was true but irrelevant. She said that she did not deny or hide her queerness, but rather embraced it as part of her identity and expression.
She said that the GLC agreed with her submission and dismissed the petition in the first hearing within 15 minutes. She noted that they did not question her on anything in the petition and that they only asked her two questions in the subsequent hearings before delivering their decision.
However, despite winning the case, Ama said she was still waiting to be told what her improper conduct was from 6th November 2022 till date. She said that she had not committed any crime or misconduct while studying law or after graduating. She said that she was a digital content creator who shared her views on various topics such as feminism, body positivity, sexual liberation, and queerness.
She said that she was not a bad example of people unworthy of the Ghana Bar, but rather a proud and confident woman who had fulfilled all the requirements to be called to the bar, and thus did not recognize the person that some people, were trying to portray her as.
Ama Governor says she is ready to account for every content she has put out on the internet.
Ama Governor, a young law graduate from the University of Ghana, has been embroiled in a controversy that has made her question the fairness and integrity of Ghana’s legal system.
Ama Governor, whose real name is Elorm Ama Ababio, was denied the call to the Ghana Bar in November 2022, despite completing the law programme, passing her exams and acing her interview session.
She was accused of displaying “conduct unbecoming of an applicant to be called to the Bar” in some of her posts on social media. The petitioner also alleged hat Ama broke some rules in the Ghana School of law code of conduct.
This decision raised questions about the nature and extent of her social media content that could have led to such a consequence. Ama to a large extent refrained from discussing the matter openly until now.
In a series of tweets in response to Chief Justice TorKornoo’s stance on proper conduct in the legal sphere, Ama recounted her experience in 2022 and said she started studying law at the age of 18.
Soon after that, she discovered the world of YouTube and other social media platforms, which she used to document her journey through law school and share her thoughts on important social issues.
She explained the type of content she hosted on her channel.
According to Ama, she boldly tackled conversations that centred on body autonomy, feminism, body positivity, queerness, women’s sexual reproductive health, self-worth, confidence and women’s sexual liberation through her content.
She passionately believed that expressing her ideas and experiences could inspire others and contribute positively to society.
However, her world turned upside down on 6 November 2022, just days before she was set to be called to the bar.
A petitioner who can only be identified as “a concerned citizen of the Republic of Ghana” had petitioned the General Legal Council, claiming that Ama was unfit to be a lawyer based solely on their belief. This petition led to the suspension of her call to the bar, leaving her devastated and confused.
The petitioner cited three grounds for their belief that Ama should not be called to the bar. Two of these grounds according to Ama, were based on complete fabrications, as they were refuted by the very videos the petitioner relied upon as evidence.
One false claim was about a video Ama had made with her classmates to showcase the law school experience. The petitioner, according to Ama also twisted innocent scenes of law students having fun into an attack on the school’s reputation.
Another false claim was about Ama wearing nose rings to school, which was not against any school rules and, in fact, Ama had complied with expectations during law school. The third ground, while accurate, was about Ama’s queerness and her relationships with women, which her legal team argued should not be a reason to deny her call to the bar.
In the first hearing, the frivolous petition was quickly dismissed within 15 minutes, as the committee found it baseless and unsupported. Despite this clear outcome, Ama’s name continued to be dragged through the mud, tarnishing her image and causing her unnecessary distress.
Ama is now demanding answers. She wonders if expressing her thoughts and experiences on social media was her crime, and if someone should have warned her at 18 that this innocent act could be held against her six years later. She raises concerns about her constitutional rights being disregarded, as she was not convicted of any criminal offence, and yet her call to the bar was suspended without proper justification.
Meanwhile, Ama feels that her character and reputation are still under attack. She questions why she continues to be allegedly used as a negative example in law classes and feels hurt by the unjust labelling of her as immoral and unfit.
She firmly believes that her content on the internet is something she can boldly account for, and she passionately argues that she is deserving of being called to the bar.
Ghanaian YouTuber and lawyer-in-waiting, Ama Governor has disclosed that the General Legal Council of Ghana (GLC) threw out the petition that accused her of being a lesbian and blocked her call to the Bar in just 15 minutes.
Ama Governor, whose real name is Elorm Ama Ababio, was denied the call to the Ghana Bar in November 2022, despite completing the law program, passing her exams and scaling her interview session.
She was accused of displaying “conduct unbecoming of an applicant to be called to the Bar” in some of her videos, where she expressed her views on feminism, body positivity, sexual liberation and queerness.
In a lengthy statement posted on her Twitter page, following remarks by Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, Ama Governormaintaining her ‘innocence’ narrated how she was hit with a letter from the GLC on November 6, 2022, informing her that a concerned citizen of Ghana had petitioned them on November 3, 2022, that she was not fit to be a lawyer and that her call to the bar had been suspended.
“Imagine this: 5th November I get the final result in- my bar exam result, and I’m index numbers 1 so number was first, I had passed. I was rejoicing and thinking about preparations towards my call on the 11th of Nov, 6 days away.
Ama Governor acquired an LLB Degree from the University of Ghana in 2020, with a 3.32 GPA and in the Second Class Upper Division. Image Credit: Ama Governor [Instagram]
“Only to be hit out of nowhere on 6th November with a letter from the regulators of the legal profession in Ghana, General Legal Council, that a concerned citizen of the Republic of Ghana has petitioned them on 3rd November that only me, Elorm Ama Governor-Ababio, I am not fit to be called to the bar and so on that basis ALONE, my Call to the bar has been suspended and that they’ll get back to me about further details (no date given).” She wrote
The YouTuber, who has been vocal about her fight to be called to the Bar after the petition was filed against her, asserted that being queer and having relationships with women should not be considered grounds to deem her unfit for the legal profession. She described her sexual orientation as a “blissful fact” and argued that it should not affect her eligibility for admission.
“The third ground which was not challenged as a lie was that I am queer and that I sleep with women. We argued that while that was a blissful fact, it was not a ground on which I should be deemed unfit to be called to the bar. Simple. And guess what?! This obviously frivolous petition that should not have passed the prima facie test, but which managed to stop my life, was thrown out in the very first hearing within 15 minutes.”
Ama Governor expressed her frustration with the lingering effects of the petition, despite it being thrown out in the first hearing. She stated that since the incident in November 2022, her name continues to be dragged in undignified ways, and she has been used as a negative example in law classes, labelling her unworthy of the Ghana Bar.
“And yet since 6th November 2022, my name continues to be dragged in the most undignified ways. I hear in law classes, I am used as a bad example of people unworthy of the Ghana Bar. When people like the Honourable CJ also talks about you like this, I’m sorry, but I do not recognize the person you are attempting to describe me as. Me? Immoral? Unfit? Misconducting myself how? There’s not a single content I have put out on this internet that I will not boldly account for, not one, & still I think I am very fit to be called.”
Her tweets have however, sparked a lot of debate and controversy in Ghana, with some people criticizing and others supporting her.
Some lawyers have argued that she has a right to freedom of expression and that her private life should not affect her professional qualification. Others have maintained that she has shown a lack of character and integrity that is expected of a lawyer.
YouTuber and law graduate, Ama Governor, who was denied her call to the bar in November 2022, has revealed how she openly admitted to being queer and sleeping with women to the General Legal Council (GLC), the body that regulates the legal profession in Ghana.
She said that this was one of the three grounds that a mysterious petitioner used to challenge her fitness to be a lawyer, but that it was not a valid reason to disqualify her.
In a lengthy statement posted on her Twitter page, Ama Governor narrated how she received a letter from the GLC on 6th November 2022, informing her that her call to the bar had been suspended due to a petition filed by a concerned citizen of Ghana on 3rd November 2022.
She said that the petition alleged that she had engaged in improper conduct that tarnished the reputation of the Ghana School of Law(GSL) and that she was queer and slept with women.
“The third ground which was not challenged as a lie was that I am queer and that I sleep with women. We argued that while that was a blissful fact, it was not a ground on which I should be deemed unfit to be called to the bar. Simple. And guess what?!,” she wrote.
According to her, she and her lawyer submitted a written legal response to the petition, arguing that the first two grounds were false and based on fabricated evidence, and that the third ground was true but irrelevant.
She said that she did not deny or hide her queerness, but rather embraced it as part of her identity and expression.
” This obviously frivolous petition that should not have passed the prima facie test, but which managed to stop my life, was thrown out in the very first hearing within 15 minutes,” Ama explained.
She said that the GLC agreed with her submission and dismissed the petition in the first hearing within 15 minutes.
“They just said they have read our written submission and agree with us wholeheartedly, and so they do not wish to address me on anything in the petition.”
Ama also said that they did not question her on anything in the petition and that they only asked her two questions in the subsequent hearings before delivering their decision.
“I won the ‘case’, if you will, against the till date unidentified petitioner. After my lawyer and I submitted our written legal response to the frivolous petition, it was thrown out in the very first hearing. The next three hearings till the decision was delivered was about 2 questions the committee had to ask me and us coming to a consensus.”
She said that despite winning the case, she was still waiting to be told what her improper conduct was from 6th November 2022 till date.
She said that she had not committed any crime or misconduct while studying law or after graduating. She said that she was a digital content creator who shared her views on various topics such as feminism, body positivity, sexual liberation, and queerness.
She said that she was not a bad example of people unworthy of the Ghana Bar, but rather a proud and confident woman who had fulfilled all the requirements to be called to the bar.
She said that she did not recognize the person that some people, including the Chief Justice, were trying to portray her as. She said that she was ready to account for every content she had put out on the internet and that she still believed that she was very fit to be a lawyer.
Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo has provided an explanation for the denial of popular Ghanaian YouTuber, Ama Governor, in her call to the Bar.
Ama Governor was denied a call to the bar, despite completing the Ghana School of Law and passing her interview .
The Ghanaian YouTuber, whose real name is Elorm Ababio, was not called to the Bar in November 2022.
Subsequently, it came to light that the General Legal Council had decided to withhold Ama Governor’s call to the Bar until a committee could thoroughly assess her suitability for admission as a qualified barrister. The committee was specifically appointed to determine whether she met the necessary requirements and demonstrated the qualifications essential for becoming a legal practitioner. As a result, her call to the Bar was temporarily suspended pending the committee’s evaluation.
The General Legal Council through its secretary informed Ama Governor about a concerned citizen’s petition to the council alleging that she lacks good character befitting someone who aspires to be a lawyer.
The anonymous concerned citizen raised an issue with one of the YouTube content of Ama Governor and described it as a “conduct unbecoming of an application to be called to the Bar”. This has sparked an unending controversy on social media.
According to reports, the General Legal Council has constituted a three-member committee to investigate the complaint, and the outcome will determine the fate of the popular YouTuber.
However, Ama Governor missed the call to the Ghana Bar again in May 2023 as the Ghana Legal Council in a Mini Call called new lawyers to the Ghana Bar after her initial denial.
During a programme held yesterday, Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornor addressed the issues surrounding Ama Governor’s call to the Bar. In her remarks, she expressed surprise at the apparent lack of understanding among some people regarding the position taken by the Ghana Legal Council in this matter.
She said “when somebody has behaved in a certain way we say and we say we cannot call the person to the Bar, I was surprised at the furriery that rose up concerning the call to the bar of certain people, like seriously?
“This is proper conduct for the legal sector. That’s interesting. Anyway, so for you to come into our space and to come into the space of the legal sector, your conduct cannot be obscene and offensive and you expect that you’ll be admitted. It doesn’t work like that.
Your comments on social media, your ex parte communications for Judges is extremely critical,” she emphasized in the video below which is going viral.
The Chief Justice talks about the social conduct of people who are called to the bar
Ghanaian YouTuber and law graduate, Ama Governor, has taken to Twitter to express her frustration and anger over the delay in her call to the bar, which was suspended due to a petition filed by an anonymous person who claimed she was unfit to be a lawyer.
In a series of tweets, Ama Governor revealed that she had successfully defended herself against the petition, which was based on false and malicious allegations about her conduct and sexuality.
She said the petition was thrown out in the first hearing, and that the subsequent hearings were only about two questions the committee had to ask her.
“Respectfully, I am still waiting to be told what my improper conduct was from 6th Nov, 2022 till date. I cannot handle this tarnishing of image and spread of false information about the true facts of the events that took place for much longer. This is cruel.
I won the ‘case’, if you will, against the till date unidentified petitioner. After my lawyer and I submitted our written legal response to the frivolous petition, it was thrown out in the very first hearing. The next three hearings till the decision was delivered was about 2 questions the committee had to ask me and us coming to a consensus, ” she wrote.
She also challenged the basis and legality of the petition, which was filed on 3rd November 2022, just six days before her scheduled call to the bar on 11th November 2022. She said she had passed all the requirements necessary to be called to the bar, and that she had not committed any crime or misconduct while studying law.
Ama accused the petitioner of violating her constitutional rights and tarnishing her image with lies and fabrications. She also lamented the unfair treatment and discrimination she faced from some members of the legal profession, who used her as a bad example and questioned her moral compass.
She demanded to know what her actual crime was, and why she was singled out among her peers. She said she was proud of her content creation and advocacy on various social media platforms, where she shared her views on feminism, body positivity, queerness, women’s sexual liberation, and other topics.
She ended her rant by calling for justice and respect for her dignity and career. She said she was still waiting to be told what her improper conduct was from 6th November 2022 till date. She said she could not handle the spread of false information and the denial of her call to the bar any longer.
Her tweets have sparked mixed reactions from netizens, some of whom supported her and praised her courage and resilience, while others criticized her and questioned her suitability for the legal profession. Some also called for an investigation into the petition and the role of the General Legal Council in handling the matter.
Ghanaian YouTuber, Ama Governor, and aspiring lawyer, has taken to Twitter to express her strong objection to remarks made by the Chief Justice, Her Ladyship Gertrude Torkornoo.
In a series of tweets, Ama Governor voiced her frustration over the suspension of her “Call to the Bar” ceremony and the subsequent implications on her reputation.
The Chief Justice’s comments, made during a recent public appearance, touched on the issue of proper conduct in the legal sector and the admission to the Bar.
She stated that individuals seeking to join the legal profession must exhibit behaviour that is not obscene or offensive. Her Ladyship expressed surprise at the controversy surrounding the admission of certain individuals, emphasizing the importance of upholding standards within the legal community.
Ama Governor, who felt directly targeted by the Chief Justice’s remarks, went on a Twitter rant to set the record straight. She vehemently denied engaging in any improper conduct and questioned the fairness of the process that led to the suspension of her “Call to the Bar.”
Respectfully, I am still waiting to be told what my improper conduct was from 6th Nov, 2022 till date. I cannot handle this tarnishing of image and spread of false information about the true facts of the events that took place for much longer. This is cruel. https://t.co/vzV7mWHyhW
According to her tweets, she successfully defended herself against a petition that challenged her eligibility for admission to the Bar. The petition was based on three grounds, two of which she claimed were fabrications.
The first alleged ground involved a video in which Ama Governor and her classmates were seen discussing life as law students, including humorous anecdotes about occasionally dozing off in class. The petitioner misconstrued this discussion as tarnishing the school’s reputation, which Ama Governor vehemently refuted.
The second ground falsely accused her of consistently wearing nose rings to school, despite adhering to the school’s guidelines on student appearance. Ama Governor clarified that she had followed the rules and even made videos demonstrating her compliance.
The Chief Justice gives the reason why Ama Governor, a social media influencer wasn’t called to the bar and may still not be called to the bar. pic.twitter.com/YoiIoqdKTn
The third ground, which she acknowledged as true, referred to her sexual orientation as queer. However, she asserted that her sexual orientation should not be a basis for deeming her unfit to become a lawyer.
Ama Governor expressed deep disappointment with the process, citing that the petition was thrown out in the very first hearing, yet her name continues to be dragged through the mud. She further raised concerns about the potential violation of Article 19(11) of the Ghanaian Constitution, which states that no person shall be convicted of a criminal offense unless defined and prescribed by written law.
The young YouTuber’s tweets have ignited discussions on social media, with many expressing support for her stance and questioning the fairness of the entire process.
As the controversy unfolds, attention is drawn to the intersection of social media influence, individual rights, and the legal profession’s stringent standards.
Ama Governor’s online presence has been a platform for her to advocate for body positivity, feminism, and women’s sexual reproductive health. She now awaits a response from the relevant authorities on the matter and hopes for a resolution that upholds her right to practice law without undue prejudice.
The young lady who was denied a call to the bar in November 2022 on the basis of ethical violations, Elorm Ababio, also known online as Ama Governor, has opened up about the incident.
In a YouTube video titled “restrictions” posted on her official channel, March 31, 2023; Ama Governor admitted how hard it was and has been dealing with her ordeal.
“I am not able to forget that it happened,” she said at a point in the 21 minute video.
She disclosed going through trauma which made the experience even harder to forget or write off.
“The experience, the trauma doesn’t help you to forget that it ever happened so it’s hard for me to pretend that it didn’t happen especially when it is still happening,” she said.
The video starts with her mopping off a tattoo on her arm, wiping off her dark lipstick, taking off her nose ring and anklets and dumping them into a bin.
In the video, she takes viewers through a day whiles narrating a series of events that have happened since she was denied the call to the bar.
She admitted earlier on that her usual self will be missing from the video especially because she had to hevily edit portions on the advice of some lawyers who reviewed the content.
In explaining the reason, she cited restrictions, stressing that some of the content she would ordinarily had put out could be misconstrued within the context of her personality and ambitions.
Pro-Ama Governor petition
Some Ghanaians on social media launched an online petition targeted at the General Legal Council (GLC).
The move is in protest of the suspension of the call to the Ghana Bar of Ama Governor.
The lawyer-in-waiting, who is also a YouTuber, was denied the Car call despite her successful completion of the professional law program, that is passing her exams and scaling the interview session as well.
The petition dubbed ‘Justice for Ama Governor’ has been published to gather signatures.
Ama Governor reportedly received a letter dated November 3, from the Secretary to the General Legal Council, Justice Cynthia Pamela A. Addo JA, informing her of the suspension because a complaint filed by a “concerned citizen”.
The GLC indicated that the complaint by this “concerned citizen” alleged that Ama Governor is seen in widely circulated videos engaging in what it describes as “conduct unbecoming of an applicant to be called to the Bar”.
The Complainant, the GLC Secretary indicated, also submitted a flash drive [pen drive] which contains selected video files and hyperlinks of Ama Governor to relevant website publications.
Ama Governor’s conduct is said to violate Regulation 21 (c) of the Legal Profession (Professional and Post-call Law Course) Regulations, 2018 L.I. 2355.
The said Regulation states: “A student of the school qualifies to be called to the Bar, if that student has […] (c) satisfied the Council that the student is of good character.”
A private legal practitioner, Maurice Ampaw, has advised YouTuber Elorm Ababio, a.k.a Ama Governor, to show some remorse for her actions on social media if she intends to be called to the Ghana Bar.
Speaking in a Neat FM monitored by GhanaWeb, lawyer Ampaw said that defenders of Ama Governor should urge her to change her behaviour rather than threatening to demonstrate because their demonstration will change nothing.
He added that Ama Governor should go before the General Legal Council (GLC) with one of the nation’s top lawyers and a clergyman who will plead for the blockade on her call to the Bar to be lifted.
“You can enjoy your life, but you have to enjoy it in the quiet. You can’t be living an I don’t care life because it is your life. Who told you it is your life? Whatever you do affects somebody else.
“Let me advise Ama Governor and all those who are insulting the Council that they are not helping the girl. I also advise the girl to stop social media stuff. The matter is now soft speaking; it is before the Council.
“What she should be doing now is to be looking for an experienced lawyer, who has practised for about 30 to 50 years and a Christian clergy who is respected in the country from the orthodox churches… The man of God will plead on her behalf when they go before the Council… the law should also convince that counsel that s/he will mentor her… that is the only way the Council will lift the ban on her,” he said in Twi.
Elorm Ababio, a student who just completed the Ghana School of Law (GSL), will not be called to the Ghana Bar due to a petition filed against her by a “concerned citizen”.
The complaint, according to the letter signed by Justice Cynthia Pamela A. Addo JA, Secretary, General Legal Council (GLC), stated that Ama Governor is seen in widely circulated videos engaging in what it describes as “conduct unbecoming of an applicant to be called to the Bar”.
The complainant, the GLC Secretary, indicated also submitted a flash drive [pen drive] which contains selected video files and hyperlinks of Ama Governor to relevant website publications.
Ama Governor’s conduct is said to violate Regulation 21(c) of the Legal Profession (Professional and Post-call Law Course) Regulations, 2018 L.I. 2355.
The said regulation states: “A student of the school qualifies to be called to the Bar if that student has […] (c) satisfied the Council that the student is of good character.”
The Council, as Justice Cynthia Pamela A. Addo JA said, had thus decided:
“1. To constitute a three-member Committee to investigate the complaint and advise Council accordingly.
“2. To suspend the decision to call you [Ama Governor] to the Bar pending the outcome of the investigation.
“I have been directed by the Chairperson of the General Legal Council to inform you of this matter and to advise you to expect to be contacted by the Committee in due course.”
“You will be given a fair hearing on the complaint before a decision is arrived at,” Justice Cynthia Pamela A. Addo JA’s letter dated November 3 concluded.
A private legal practitioner, Maurice Ampaw, has advised YouTuber Elorm Ababio, a.k.a Ama Governor, to show some remorse for her actions on social media if she intends to be called to the Ghana Bar.
Speaking in a Neat FM monitored by GhanaWeb, lawyer Ampaw said that defenders of Ama Governor should urge her to change her behaviour rather than threatening to demonstrate because their demonstration will change nothing.
He added that Ama Governor should go before the General Legal Council (GLC) with one of the nation’s top lawyers and a clergyman who will plead for the blockade on her call to the Bar to be lifted.
“You can enjoy your life, but you have to enjoy it in the quiet. You can’t be living an I don’t care life because it is your life. Who told you it is your life? Whatever you do affects somebody else.
“Let me advise Ama Governor and all those who are insulting the Council that they are not helping the girl. I also advise the girl to stop social media stuff. The matter is now soft speaking; it is before the Council.
“What she should be doing now is to be looking for an experienced lawyer, who has practised for about 30 to 50 years and a Christian clergy who is respected in the country from the orthodox churches… The man of God will plead on her behalf when they go before the Council… the law should also convince that counsel that s/he will mentor her… that is the only way the Council will lift the ban on her,” he said in Twi.
Elorm Ababio, a student who just completed the Ghana School of Law (GSL), will not be called to the Ghana Bar due to a petition filed against her by a “concerned citizen”.
The complaint, according to the letter signed by Justice Cynthia Pamela A. Addo JA, Secretary, General Legal Council (GLC), stated that Ama Governor is seen in widely circulated videos engaging in what it describes as “conduct unbecoming of an applicant to be called to the Bar”.
The complainant, the GLC Secretary, indicated also submitted a flash drive [pen drive] which contains selected video files and hyperlinks of Ama Governor to relevant website publications.
Ama Governor’s conduct is said to violate Regulation 21(c) of the Legal Profession (Professional and Post-call Law Course) Regulations, 2018 L.I. 2355.
The said regulation states: “A student of the school qualifies to be called to the Bar if that student has […] (c) satisfied the Council that the student is of good character.”
The Council, as Justice Cynthia Pamela A. Addo JA said, had thus decided:
“1. To constitute a three-member Committee to investigate the complaint and advise Council accordingly.
“2. To suspend the decision to call you [Ama Governor] to the Bar pending the outcome of the investigation.
“I have been directed by the Chairperson of the General Legal Council to inform you of this matter and to advise you to expect to be contacted by the Committee in due course.”
“You will be given a fair hearing on the complaint before a decision is arrived at,” Justice Cynthia Pamela A. Addo JA’s letter dated November 3 concluded.
Lawyer Moses Foh-Amoaning, Executive Secretary of the National Coalition for Proper Human Sexual Rights and Family Values has said that he is in full support of the General Legal Council’s decision to put on hold the call to the Bar of YouTuber Elorm Ababio, a.k.a Ama Governor.
According to him, one does not become a lawyer just because s/he has passed an examination but also because the person is of good character, as stated in the 1992 Constitution of Ghana.
In a Neat FM interview monitored by GhanaWeb, Foh-Amoaning intimated that calling Ama Governor to the Bar means that the Council will be condoning her LGBTQ+ preferences, which she has wildly professed contrary to the laws of the country.
“In Ghana, if you take a look at Act 32, to be called a lawyer, it is not just that you have passed your exams; you must be of a said good character.
“We know that in Ghana, it is not good behaviour for persons of the same sex to have sexual intercourse and for them to marry. So, if you are engaged in such an activity, we know you are not of good character, so you can’t be called to the Ghana Bar,” he said in Twi.
Foh-Amoaning also warned that Ghana had to be careful because proponents of LGBTQ+ activities are trying very hard to indoctrinate their values in the country.
Elorm Ababio, a student who just completed the Ghana School of Law (GSL), will not be called to the Ghana Bar due to a petition filed against her by a “concerned citizen”.
The complaint, according to the letter signed by Justice Cynthia Pamela A. Addo JA, Secretary, General Legal Council (GLC), stated that Ama Governor is seen in widely circulated videos engaging in what it describes as “conduct unbecoming of an applicant to be called to the Bar”.
The Complainant, the GLC Secretary, indicated, also submitted a flash drive [pen drive] which contains selected video files and hyperlinks of Ama Governor to relevant website publications.
Ama Governor’s conduct is said to violate Regulation 21(c) of the Legal Profession (Professional and Post-call Law Course) Regulations, 2018 L.I. 2355.
The said Regulation states: “A student of the school qualifies to be called to the Bar if that student has […] (c) satisfied the Council that the student is of good character.”
The Council, Justice Cynthia Pamela A. Addo JA said had thus decided:
“1. To constitute a three-member Committee to investigate the complaint and advise Council accordingly.
“2. To suspend the decision to call you [Ama Governor] to the Bar pending the outcome of the investigation.
“I have been directed by the Chairperson of the General Legal Council to inform you of this matter and to advise you to expect to be contacted by the Committee in due course.”
“You will be given a fair hearing on the complaint before a decision is arrived at,” Justice Cynthia Pamela A. Addo JA’s letter dated November 3 concluded.
Despite successfully passing her bar exams and the interview session as well, Ghanaian socialite, Ama Governor’sappears to have ‘shaky’ chances of becoming a lawyer.
Known in real life as Elorm Ababio, she is due to be called to the bar on Friday, November 12, 2022, upon completion of the Ghana School of Law, Makola, but received a letter from the Secretary to the General Legal Council informing her that the decision has been challenged.
A “concerned citizen” is said to have filed a complaint alleging that Ama Governor lacks good character and not befitting enough to venture into the law profession.
A YouTube video said to show her allegedly engaged in “conduct unbecoming of an application to be called to the Bar” has also been attached to the complaint.
Following the incident, there has been an uproar on social media, particularly on Twitter where scores of individuals have condemned the decision of the General Legal Council to withhold ‘calling her to the bar’ while investigations take place.
Let’s take a look at some sultry pictures shared by Ama Governor on Instagram.
Some of these pictures seem to have partly informed the motion against her dreams of becoming a lawyer.
The lawyer-in-waiting, who is also a YouTuber, is being denied the Car call despite her successful completion of the professional law program, that is passing her exams and scaling the interview session as well.
Ama Governor reportedly received a letter dated November 3, from the Secretary to the General Legal Council, Justice Cynthia Pamela A. Addo JA, informing her of the suspension because a complaint filed by a “concerned citizen”.
The GLC indicated that the complaint by this “concerned citizen” alleged that Ama Governor is seen in widely circulated videos engaging in what it describes as “conduct unbecoming of an applicant to be called to the Bar”.
The Complainant, the GLC Secretary indicated, also submitted a flash drive [pen drive] which contains selected video files and hyperlinks of Ama Governor to relevant website publications.
Ama Governor’s conduct is said to violate Regulation 21 (c) of the Legal Profession (Professional and Post-call Law Course) Regulations, 2018 L.I. 2355.
The said Regulation states: “A student of the school qualifies to be called to the Bar, if that student has […] (c) satisfied the Council that the student is of good character.”
Barely a few days after the suspension was communicated, an online petition circulating on various social media platforms has already generated 8,982 signatures out of the 9,000 targeted.
No offence to anyone please ,but if Ama governor was promoting LGBTQ on her channel then I think it’s the law that has got to her,LGBTQ is illegal in Ghana and promoting it isn’t something you should be doing if you want to get a job that’s mainly about the law .
Can someone please clearly outline what happened? And if it’s shareable, please let us know the reasons the GLC have given for refusing to call Ama to the bar even though she has met all requirements.https://t.co/QGh6h9wSIK
Prof Henry Kwasi Prempeh, Executive Director of Ghana Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), has advised the General Legal Council, GLC, not to embarrass itself following a directive demanding the social media handles of law students as part of disciplinary measures.
According to him, the body that regulates the legal profession in Ghana should also desist from embarrassing the entire profession, and the country at large, with its actions.
In a Facebook post on Wednesday, November 9, the lawyer and educationalist stated that the GCL can do things right without resorting to was he calls “nonsense.”
“The General Legal Council should stop embarrassing itself, the entire legal profession, and the country. We can do without such nonsense at this time,” H Kwasi Prempeh wrote.
Meanwhile, Elorm Ababio, a student who just completed the Ghana School of Law (GSL) will not be called to the Ghana Bar due to a petition filed against her by a “concerned citizen”.
Known popularly on YouTube as Ama Governor, the complaint, according to a letter signed by Justice Cynthia Pamela A. Addo JA, Secretary, Ghana Legal Council (GLC), stated that Ama Governor is seen in widely circulated videos engaging in what it describes as “conduct unbecoming of an applicant to be called to the Bar”.
The Complainant, the GLC Secretary indicated, also submitted a flash drive [pen drive] which contains selected video files and hyperlinks of Ama Governor to relevant website publications.
Ama Governor’s conduct is said to violate Regulation 21(c) of the Legal Profession (Professional and Post-call Law Course) Regulations, 2018 L.I. 2355.
The said Regulation states: “A student of the school qualifies to be called to the Bar, if that student has […] (c) satisfied the Council that the student is of good character.”
Also, The school mandated to train legal practitioners on Wednesday, November 9, 2020, directed students to submit their social media handles for monitoring to ensure that they maintain a character befitting the legal profession.
Yaw Oppong, Director of the School who is also a member of the GLC, speaking during the swearing-in ceremony of the School of Law Students’ Representative Council (SRC) executives explained that the request for social media handles will help many students willing to be called to the bar to maintain a good character.
“Everybody will have to provide their social media handles. We are going to look at it and you will be monitored in terms of conduct. We are required by law to make recommendations. We don’t want to stampede you.
“You are going to reapply beyond the pass and submit yourselves for all legitimate checks,” he said.
Some Ghanaians on social media have launched an online petition targeted at the General Legal Council (GLC).
The move is in protest of the suspension of the call to the Ghana Bar of Elorm Ababio, popularly known as Ama Governor on social media.
The lawyer-in-waiting, who is also a YouTuber, is being denied the Car call despite her successful completion of the professional law program, that is passing her exams and scaling the interview session as well.
The petition dubbed ‘Justice for Ama Governor’ has been published to gather signatures.
Ama Governor reportedly received a letter dated November 3, from the Secretary to the General Legal Council, Justice Cynthia Pamela A. Addo JA, informing her of the suspension because a complaint filed by a “concerned citizen”.
The GLC indicated that the complaint by this “concerned citizen” alleged that Ama Governor is seen in widely circulated videos engaging in what it describes as “conduct unbecoming of an applicant to be called to the Bar”.
The Complainant, the GLC Secretary indicated, also submitted a flash drive [pen drive] which contains selected video files and hyperlinks of Ama Governor to relevant website publications.
Ama Governor’s conduct is said to violate Regulation 21 (c) of the Legal Profession (Professional and Post-call Law Course) Regulations, 2018 L.I. 2355.
The said Regulation states: “A student of the school qualifies to be called to the Bar, if that student has […] (c) satisfied the Council that the student is of good character.”
Barely a few days after the suspension was communicated, an online petition circulating on various social media platforms has already generated 8,982 signatures out of the 9,000 targeted.
No offence to anyone please ,but if Ama governor was promoting LGBTQ on her channel then I think it’s the law that has got to her,LGBTQ is illegal in Ghana and promoting it isn’t something you should be doing if you want to get a job that’s mainly about the law .
Can someone please clearly outline what happened? And if it’s shareable, please let us know the reasons the GLC have given for refusing to call Ama to the bar even though she has met all requirements.https://t.co/QGh6h9wSIK
Elorm Ababio, a student who just completed the Ghana School of Law (GSL) will not be called to the Ghana Bar due to a petition filed against her by a “concerned citizen”.
Known popularly on YouTube as Ama Governor, the complaint, according to a letter signed by Justice Cynthia Pamela A. Addo JA, Secretary, Ghana Legal Council (GLC), stated that Ama Governor is seen in widely circulated videos engaging in what it describes as “conduct unbecoming of an applicant to be called to the Bar”.
The Complainant, the GLC Secretary indicated, also submitted a flash drive [pen drive] which contains selected video files and hyperlinks of Ama Governor to relevant website publications.
Ama Governor’s conduct is said to violate Regulation 21(c) of the Legal Profession (Professional and Post-call Law Course) Regulations, 2018 L.I. 2355.
The said Regulation states: “A student of the school qualifies to be called to the Bar, if that student has […] (c) satisfied the Council that the student is of good character.”
The Council, Justice Cynthia Pamela A. Addo JA said had thus decided:
“1. To constitute a three-member Committee to investigate the complaint and advise Council accordingly.
“2. To suspend the decision to call you [Ama Governor] to the Bar pending the outcome of the investigation.
“I have been directed by the Chairperson of the General Legal Council to inform you of this matter and to advise you to expect to be contacted by the Committee in due course.”
“You will be given a fair hearing on the complaint before a decision is arrived at,” Justice Cynthia Pamela A. Addo JA’s letter dated November 3, concluded.
The Ghana School of Law is set to call over 700 students to join the Ghana Bar Association on Friday, November 11, 2022, at the Accra International Conference Centre.
As part of the criteria, prospective students who wish to join the Ghana Bar Association (GBA) are to lead an exemplary life by maintaining a good character.
Meanwhile, since the news broke on Wednesday, an online petition has been launched to gather signatories in a quest to obtain ‘justice’ for the Ghanaian law student and YouTuber.
The campaign was created by Pyrex House and is addressed to the Ghana Legal Council.
Joyce Bawah Mogtari, a private legal practitioner and spokesperson of former President John Dramani Mahama, has reacted to the Ghana School of Law’s request for school media handles of its students.
The school mandated to train legal practitioners on Wednesday, November 9, 2020, directed students to submit their social media handles for monitoring to ensure that they maintain a character befitting the legal profession.
Yaw Oppong, Director of the School, speaking during the swearing-in ceremony of the School of Law Students’ Representative Council (SRC) executives explained that the request for social media handles will help many students willing to be called to the bar to maintain a good character.
“Everybody will have to provide their social media handles. We are going to look at it and you will be monitored in terms of conduct. We are required by law to make recommendations. We don’t want to stampede you.
“You are going to reapply beyond the pass and submit yourselves for all legitimate checks,” he said.
But Madam Bawah Mogtari believes the Ghana School of Law must come again on their latest request from students.
She wrote on her Facebook timeline, “as lawyers, we are enjoined to protect the ideals of the Constitution and demonstrably so. Instructively, the first action before the Supreme Court for the enforcement of the 1992 constitution was initiated by lawyers (Kuenyehia & Others v. Archer & Others [1992-1993] 2 GLR 525).
“It is therefore surprising that today, and in this age and time, the institution responsible for training lawyers in our beloved country is setting out to invade the privacy of its students by interfering with a right so sacrosanct under the Constitution.”
Bawah Mogtari continued: “I do hope that the Ghana School of Law will reconsider this decision that so egregiously violates rights protected in our Constitution.
“The Ghana Bar Association must as a matter of urgency stand up against this. Their silence many hours after the news broke in itself is problematic. The Association cannot continue to fail in its mandate to members of the Association and the public in general.
“What we need is the reformation of legal education in Ghana to be equitable and accord all those willing and qualified to read law the opportunity to do so.
“We certainly do not need a backward, draconian and repressive Ghana School of Law.”
Meanwhile, the Ghana School of Law is set to call over 700 students to join the Ghana Bar Association on Friday, November 11, 2022, at the Accra International Conference Centre.
As part of the criteria, prospective students who wish to join the Ghana Bar Association, GBA, are to lead an exemplary life by maintaining a good character.
The Students’ Representative Council (SRC) of the Ghana School of Law, GSL, has provided clarity on a demand by the Director of the School, for social media handles of law students.
According to the SRC, the call by Mr. Yaw Oppong is only an admonition for students to live above reproach wherever they find themselves, including on social media, and does not constitute a directive.
In a statement sighted by GhanaWeb, the SRC explained “the alleged statement by the Director of the Ghana School Law made[sic] at the swearing-in ceremony of the new SRC Executives was a reiteration of general caution to the student body to abide by the school’s code of conduct within and outside the school including social media platforms.”
The statement further emphasised that while the school management seeks to ensure that majority of qualified students are called to the Bar each year by the admonition, “no such directive has been given to any student by the Management of the school.”
Yaw Oppong, Director of the Ghana School of Law, speaking during the swearing-in ceremony of the School of Law SRC executives explained that the request for social media handles will help many students willing to be called to the bar to maintain a good character.
“Everybody will have to provide their social media handles. We are going to look at it and you will be monitored in terms of conduct. We are required by law to make recommendations. We don’t want to stampede you.
“You are going to reapply beyond the pass and submit yourselves for all legitimate checks,” he said.
The request, which has since become topical, has been condemned in many circles, with some calling it an affront to the student’s constitutional right to free expression.
Popular Ghanaian YouTuber, Ama Governor, who is a pansexual living in Ghana has been denied a call to the bar.
The news which broke on Twitter on November 9, has got the social media platform buzzing.
It is reported that the Ghana Legal Council denied her access to the bar due to her affiliation with the LGBTQ community.
Also, it has been said that a petition was filed against her by an unknown person, which resulted in the punitive decision that was taken against her.
She, along with her disgruntled friends, have taken to social media to cry about the ordeal.
According to them, it is not fair for the Ghana Bar Association (GBA)to stop her from becoming a lawyer at the eleventh hour when she has passed all her exams.
Twitter has been flooded with divergent views on what people make of the situation. While some agree with the GBA, others believe Ama Governor must be allowed to become a lawyer regardless of her sexuality.
Why are they treating Ama Governor like this, which kind authorities be this?
Whatever your stance on LGBTQ is, you can’t be so crazy as to think people should be denied their hard earned place as members of the Ghana Bar simply because they publicly support LGBTQ. Ama Governor deserves her bar call.
No offence to anyone please ,but if Ama governor was promoting LGBTQ on her channel then I think it’s the law that has got to her,LGBTQ is illegal in Ghana and promoting it isn’t something you should be doing if you want to get a job that’s mainly about the law .
