Redefining Legal Storytelling and Purpose in Ghana’s Justice Space

From a humble Christian upbringing to building one of Ghana’s most relatable legal platforms, Diary of a Ghanaian Lawyer, Fredericka Amfo Boakye-Duah has carved a distinct path in the country’s legal landscape. A litigator, thought leader, and podcaster, she blends discipline, faith, and courage to champion accessible legal education and honest conversations about the practice of law. In this exclusive conversation with Legal Africa, she shares her journey, lessons, and the vision behind her growing impact.

 Early Life & Legal Journey

What inspired you to study law?
I was raised in a Christian home where discipline and integrity were at the core. My parents were evangelists, so our lives were often under public scrutiny, which taught me responsibility early on. Though they hoped I’d study science and become a doctor, I soon realized my strengths were in reading and analysis. Guided by my career counselor, I chose General Arts, then studied Law at the University of Ghana and later the Professional Law Course at the Ghana School of Law. Looking back, I have no regrets it was exactly where I was meant to be.

Who were your biggest influences growing up?
My parents, without a doubt. They lived what they preached and modelled authenticity and integrity daily. Their influence shaped my character and continues to guide me even today.

What challenges did you face in law school or early practice?
Law school was humbling. Everyone was brilliant, and imposter syndrome was real. My lowest moment was failing the first entrance exam to the Ghana School of Law. It was crushing, but it taught me resilience. I learned to study independently, research deeply, and collaborate effectively. When I rewrote the exam, I passed. That experience reaffirmed my belief that persistence and faith are essential to success.

Legal Career

How would you describe your journey in the legal profession?
Adventurous. I’ve always loved exploring new cultures and environments, and I brought that same curiosity into law. After my studies, I chose litigation over corporate law because I wanted something dynamic. I began my career at Kulendi @ Law, one of Ghana’s leading firms, where I gained invaluable courtroom experience. Later, family reasons took me to Sunyani in the Bono Region, where I ventured into entrepreneurial practice and eventually co-founded Dofoyena Chambers with two distinguished lawyers. Every stage has stretched me and shaped who I am today.

Which areas of law are you most passionate about?
Litigation. It challenged me the most, especially because I had to overcome my fear of public speaking. Standing before judges and handling complex cases refined my confidence and discipline. It’s been both tough and rewarding.

Can you recall an experience that shaped your approach to law?
Early in my career, handling divorce cases was transformative. Coming from a stable family, it was difficult to confront the realities of abuse, betrayal, and heartbreak. But it taught me that the law isn’t just technical it’s deeply human. It carries the power to either heal or harm, and that realization influences how I practice today.

How do you navigate being a young woman in a male-dominated legal space?
By being myself. I learned early on that many people project confidence, but authenticity wins every time. If I don’t know something, I admit it and then I prepare harder. I’ve often been the only woman in court, especially in regions like Savannah, but I don’t focus on gender dynamics. I focus on delivering results.

The Birth of Diary of a Ghanaian Lawyer

What inspired you to start your podcast?
I’ve always loved podcasts I listen to them everywhere. I believe that if you don’t feed your mind with useful knowledge, something else will fill the space. Since podcasts had impacted me so much, it felt natural to use the same medium to share my own insights and lessons from legal practice.

What gap were you trying to fill in the legal space?
There’s a clear disconnect between what students learn in law school and the realities of practice. Not everyone gets the same quality of pupillage, and that affects how they function later. I was fortunate to train under diverse partners at Kulendi @ Law, but many weren’t. When I started practising independently, I noticed many lawyers struggling with basic procedural issues. I wanted to bridge that gap. Sharing knowledge makes us all better.

What kind of stories do you aim to amplify through your platform?
It’s literally a diary—a collection of lessons, stories, and reflections you won’t find in textbooks. I invite fellow lawyers, sometimes anonymously, to share their experiences the good, the bad, and the difficult. Many lawyers face challenges silently; Diary of a Ghanaian Lawyer gives them a voice.

What’s been your most memorable episode so far?
“What I Wish I Knew Earlier.” It’s timeless because I’m constantly learning new things I wish I’d known sooner. It’s my way of helping others avoid the same mistakes and grow faster in their practice.

 Impact & Influence

How has the podcast been received?
The response has been encouraging. I’ve had colleagues tell me they’ve applied my podcast tips even against me in court! (laughs). Others send messages of appreciation and encouragement. My dream is that one day, lecturers will recommend it to their students as an additional learning tool.

Has it influenced young lawyers and students?
Absolutely. Many reach out through DMs seeking guidance or mentorship. Some of our episodes are inspired by their questions. I also connect them with other lawyers for advice. It’s fulfilling to see Diary of a Ghanaian Lawyer evolve into both a learning and mentoring community.

What role does storytelling play in public understanding of the law?
It’s everything. If ignorance of the law is no excuse, then the law must be told in a way people understand. Stories stick. They make abstract principles relatable and empower citizens to know their rights. Legal storytelling bridges the gap between the courtroom and the community.

 Challenges & Resilience

What challenges come with running the podcast alongside legal practice?
Time, first of all. Between court sessions and client meetings, it’s hard to produce consistently. I’ve brought on interns and multimedia support from Supreme Studios Online, but I still dream of building a full-time production team. Funding is another hurdle since I want the content to remain free and accessible.

How do you handle criticism?
By remembering that criticism says more about the critic than about me. I take constructive feedback seriously but ignore the rest. My goal is to educate and serve not to seek applause.

What keeps you motivated on tough days?
My family and my sense of purpose. I know this podcast is part of my calling to educate, uplift, and build. That keeps me grounded and moving forward.

 Women, Law & Leadership

How do you view the representation of women in Ghana’s legal profession?
We’ve come far, but there’s more to do. Women face unique challenges balancing practice, education, and family life. Biological realities like pregnancy can slow momentum, which is why institutional support matters. I’m proud of the women leading in the Ghana Bar Association today. They’re proof that it’s possible.

What unique strengths do women bring to the profession?
Empathy, balance, and ethical grounding. Clients often trust women lawyers because they are seen as fair and less driven by greed. Women bring heart to the law and that makes a difference.

What advice would you give young women entering law?
Listen to Diary of a Ghanaian Lawyer! And beyond that find a mentor, read widely, and prepare thoroughly. Knowledge and confidence are your best armour.

 The Future

What’s next for the podcast?
I want to expand the team, improve production quality, and create episodes in local languages. The dream is to make Diary of a Ghanaian Lawyer a household name and a trusted tool for legal education across Africa.

How do you see yourself evolving as a lawyer and thought leader?
Everything I do is connected my practice, my podcast, and DC Law Tips. Each feeds into the other. My courtroom experiences inspire my teaching, and my research fuels my content. Over time, I want to be a trusted voice in both legal education and reform.

If you could change one thing about Ghana’s legal ecosystem, what would it be?
The culture of gatekeeping. Too much knowledge is hoarded. The law should serve people, not frustrate them. When we share knowledge, we make justice more accessible and that should be our collective goal.

 The Personal Side

Who is Fredericka outside law and podcasting?
I’m a daughter, wife, sister, and entrepreneur. I love creating and building. I founded GoroGirl.com to promote reliable Ghanaian businesses, and AB Card Games, which celebrates Ghanaian culture through play. I believe in adding value wherever I go.

What keeps you grounded?
My family, friends, podcasts, books, dancing, and learning. I’m always reading or listening to something that feeds my mind and spirit. Reflection keeps me aligned with my purpose.

What legacy would you like to leave behind?
Usefulness. I want my name to be associated with contribution someone who gave more than she took. Whether through law, podcasting, or entrepreneurship, I hope to be remembered for making the world a little better.