Efua Ghartey, a distinguished lawyer with an exemplary career, has officially filed her candidacy for the presidency of the Ghana Bar Association (GBA). Her decision to run for this prestigious position comes at a pivotal time when the legal community is increasingly recognizing the need for greater gender representation in leadership roles and a renewed focus on the holistic well-being of its members.
A Storied Legal Career
Efua Ghartey’s legal journey began as a Legal Aid Officer at the Legal Aid Commission, where she demonstrated an early commitment to justice and advocacy for the underrepresented. She later joined Akufo-Addo, Prempeh & Co. as an associate, gaining invaluable experience in a leading legal firm. In 1994, she co-founded Ghartey & Ghartey, a law firm that has since become synonymous with excellence in corporate law and litigation. In 2005, she succeeded Joe Ghartey as the head of the firm, steering it to new heights and solidifying its reputation within the legal community.
Throughout her career, Ghartey has been an active member of the International Federation of Female Lawyers (FIDA), holding various executive positions that have allowed her to advocate for women’s rights and gender equality in the legal profession. Her service on the National Executive Council of the Ghana Bar Association for 10 years further showcases her dedication to the advancement of the legal community. As the immediate past President of the Greater Accra Bar Association, Ghartey played a significant role in its growth and development, leaving a lasting impact on the region’s legal landscape.
A Vision for the Future
Efua Ghartey’s vision for the Ghana Bar Association is clear and compelling. In her own words:
“My vision for the Ghana Bar Association is to have a bar which is united and resolved to offer invaluable service to its members in all the different areas of practice, a bar which caters to the total well-being of its members by prioritizing their health care, facilitating career progression, and deepening their pockets. I envision a bar that is alive to its watchdog role in society and remains relevant in every pertinent national discourse. I aim to forge important alliances with international bars to offer exposure and new opportunities to our members in these areas of legal practice. My track record of over 30 years of selfless service to the Ghana Bar Association and as Greater Accra Bar President is ample testament to my capabilities as a transformational leader. Please give me your mandate to serve you, and let’s make the Ghana Bar Association a bar that is well recognized, both locally and internationally, a bar that you can be proud of.”
Her vision encapsulates a holistic approach to leadership—one that prioritizes the professional and personal well-being of GBA members, while also reinforcing the association’s critical role as a guardian of justice and a key player in national and international legal discourse.
Responding to the Call for Leadership
According to lawyers closely linked to Ghartey, her candidacy for the GBA presidency is in response to widespread calls for her to contest the position. Her decision reflects not only her commitment to the legal profession but also the growing demand for leadership that embodies both experience and a progressive vision for the future. Ghartey’s platform is centered on enhancing the association’s role in promoting lawyers’ welfare, good governance, and sustainable development in Ghana.
A Strong Contender in the Polls
Recent polls among GBA members indicate strong support for Ghartey’s candidacy. A significant majority of respondents have expressed confidence in her ability to lead the association, citing her extensive experience, leadership skills, and dedication to the profession as key reasons for their support. Her candidacy is seen as a breath of fresh air in a profession that has long been dominated by male leadership, with many members believing that her election would bring about much-needed change.
One poll conducted by the Legal Watch journal revealed that 65% of respondents favored Ghartey as the next GBA president. Another survey by the Ghana Legal Times highlighted that her commitment to gender equality and her vision for legal reform are resonating with a broad cross-section of the legal community.
A Historic Opportunity for Women
Efua Ghartey’s potential election as the next president of the GBA would be a monumental step forward for women in Ghana’s legal profession. Her candidacy challenges the long-standing gender disparities within the association’s leadership. Historically, the GBA has been led by men, reflecting broader societal patterns of gender inequality. However, Ghartey’s rise to prominence signifies a shift in these dynamics, offering a beacon of hope for future generations of female lawyers.
If elected, Ghartey would not only break the glass ceiling but also set a powerful precedent for women in the legal field. Her leadership could inspire more women to pursue careers in law and aspire to leadership positions, thereby gradually transforming the gender dynamics of the profession. Moreover, her presidency could bring about reforms that address the unique challenges faced by women in law, including gender bias, unequal pay, and underrepresentation in senior roles.
The Broader Implications for Ghana and Beyond
Efua Ghartey’s potential presidency carries broader implications for Ghanaian society and the legal profession in West Africa. Her election would symbolize the country’s progress toward gender equality and the empowerment of women in leadership roles. It could also serve as a model for other professional bodies in Ghana, encouraging them to prioritize diversity and inclusiveness in their leadership structures.
Furthermore, Ghartey’s leadership could have a positive impact on the legal profession across West Africa. As one of the most influential bar associations in the region, the GBA’s choice of a female president could inspire similar movements in neighboring countries, contributing to a wider regional push for gender equality in the legal field.
Conclusion
As the GBA election approaches, Efua Ghartey stands as a formidable candidate whose potential presidency represents a watershed moment for women in Ghana’s legal profession. Her extensive experience, leadership skills, and progressive vision position her as an ideal leader to guide the association into a new era. Should she be elected, it will not only mark a historic achievement for Ghartey personally but also a significant victory for women in the legal field, signaling the dawn of a more inclusive and equitable profession.
