Who Will Lead The Ghana Bar Association In 2024?
As the Ghana Bar Association (GBA) gears up for its 2024 annual general conference, all eyes are on the upcoming election to determine the next president of this prestigious legal body. The conference, scheduled to take place at the Great Hall of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) from September 9 to 13, 2024, will mark the conclusion of Yaw Acheampong Boafo’s term as president. Themed “Peaceful, Fair, and Transparent Election; The Key to Sustainable Democracy,” this year’s conference promises to be a pivotal moment for the GBA.
Yaw Acheampong Boafo, who has served as GBA president since his election in 2021, will be stepping down after completing his three-year term. His tenure followed a closely contested election in which he narrowly defeated Efua Ghartey by just 65 votes. As Boafo prepares to pass the torch, the race to succeed him is heating up, with Efua Ghartey returning for another bid at the presidency. Her main challenger is Agbesi Kwadzo Dzakpasu, a legal professional who was called to the Bar in 2000, nine years after Ghartey.
Meet the Candidates
Efua Ghartey: A co-founder of Ghartey & Ghartey, Efua Ghartey is a seasoned barrister, solicitor, and notary public with extensive experience in corporate law, litigation, and alternative dispute resolution (ADR). She has held numerous leadership positions within the GBA, including serving as the immediate past president of the Greater Accra Branch. Ghartey is also known for her work in various sectors, including education, aviation, and children’s rights, and has served on several high-profile boards, both in Ghana and internationally.
Agbesi Kwadzo Dzakpasu: Agbesi Dzakpasu brings a wealth of experience in banking and finance, litigation, and energy law. He holds an LLM from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) and has served on the boards of several key organizations in Ghana, including the Ghana National Gas Company and Pensions Alliance Trust. Dzakpasu’s candidacy is reportedly supported by lawyers affiliated with the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), adding a political dimension to the race.
What is at Stake?
The election will determine whether the GBA will see its first female president in Efua Ghartey or if Agbesi Dzakpasu will secure the top position. Ghartey’s long-standing involvement in the GBA and her connections within the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) make her a formidable candidate. On the other hand, Dzakpasu’s broad support base and experience in high-stakes sectors could give him an edge.
As the legal community awaits the results, the election promises to shape the future direction of the GBA and influence its role in promoting justice, legal reform, and professional standards in Ghana.
