Election of 1st female GBA President coincides with passage of Affirmative Action Act – Akufo-Addo

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has congratulated Mrs. Efua Ghartey on her election as the first female president of the Ghana Bar Association (GBA).

President Akufo-Addo said that her victory during the Bar Conference organised by the GBA on Wednesday, September 11 coincides with the passage of the Affirmative Action Bill into law.

 

“A hearty congratulations to Mrs. Efua Ghartey and Mrs. Victoria Osei-Bonsu Barth on their remarkable victories in this year’s Ghana Bar Association elections! Mrs. Ghartey’s determination and perseverance have finally been rewarded as she becomes the first female National President of the Bar Council after three attempts. As a member of the Bar, I am elated to live to see this day when the Bar is led by a woman. As President of the Republic, this victory is even more significant as it coincides with the recent passage of the Affirmative Action Act, making it an even more powerful statement in the journey towards gender equality,” President Akufo-Addo wrote on Facebook.

He added “For over a century, the legal profession in Ghana has been dominated by men, but this moment marks a turning point. Mrs. Ghartey and Mrs. Barth have shattered the glass ceiling, and in doing so, they have paved the way for many more young women to believe in their dreams and rise to the highest levels of leadership.

“Their victory is more than a personal triumph; it is a beacon of hope for every woman and girl aspiring to take up space in traditionally male-dominated fields. The cycle has indeed been broken, and the future is bright.

“Bravo to these two exceptional women—your achievements will inspire future generations! I wish you and the other National Executives of the Bar Council of the Ghana Bar Association the very best in fulfilling your mandate.”

In a closely contested election, Ghartey secured 1,208 votes, defeating her opponent, Kwadzo Dzakpasu, who garnered 1,060 votes.

Ghartey’s election comes at a crucial time, as conversations around gender equality and women’s empowerment are gaining momentum across various sectors in Ghana.

Her rise to the presidency is seen as a reflection of the growing recognition of women’s capabilities and contributions to the legal profession.

In addition to Ghartey’s victory, Baffour Gyau was elected General Secretary, while Auralius Awuku was chosen as Assistant Secretary.

Saviour Kodzi retained his role as Public Relations Officer (PRO), with Lawrencia Adika elected as Assistant PRO. The new leadership team is poised to bring fresh perspectives to the GBA’s future.

As GBA President, Efua Ghartey is expected to lead with vision and integrity, advancing legal reforms and fostering greater inclusion within the profession.

Her victory comes after the passage of the Affirmative Action Gender Equity bill on Tuesday, July 30, 2024.

The purpose of the Act is to effectively address social, cultural, economic, and political gender imbalances in the country, stemming from historical discrimination against women and persistent patriarchal socio-cultural systems and norms.

 

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