Efua Ghartey elected GBA President – Profile of GBA’s first female President

• Posted on September 12, 2024September 12, 2024
• by Nana Kwesi Coomson
• Comment

Private legal practitioner Efua Ghartey has been elected as the first female President of the Ghana Bar Association (GBA).

She was elected during the Bar Conference held in Kumasi on Wednesday, September 11.

Her election breaks a longstanding barrier in an institution that has been traditionally led by men. Ghartey’s victory is celebrated as a pivotal moment for gender equality within the legal sector, inspiring many as she paves the way for future female leaders.

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

The Newly elected President of the Ghana Bar AAssociation, Efua Ghartey, is a distinguished legal professional and co-founder of the law firm Ghartey & Ghartey.

After graduating from the University of Ghana, Legon, she was called to the Bar in 1991. She holds a Certificate in Basic and Advanced Securities from the Ghana Stock Exchange and a Certificate in Alternative Dispute Resolution, awarded jointly by the California State University, Sacramento Centre for African Peace and Conflict Resolution, and the University of Ghana’s Centre for International Affairs.

As a Barrister, Solicitor, and Notary Public, Efua has made significant contributions to the legal field in Ghana.

An active member of the International Federation of Female Lawyers (FIDA), Efua has held several executive positions within FIDA Ghana. She has been deeply involved in mediation, conciliation, and settlement procedures, demonstrating her commitment to alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.

Her expertise in this area has been recognized through her service as a mediator in the court-connected ADR system at the Commercial Division of the High Courts on multiple occasions.

Since 1992, Efua has served in various leadership roles across organizations focused on children, education, aviation, export financing, media, and publishing. She has been a vital part of several boards and committees, bringing her legal expertise to bear on a wide range of issues.

Within the Ghana Bar Association (GBA), she has participated in numerous committees and served on the National Executive for ten years. She was also the moderator and speaker for the Chief Justice’s Annual Mentoring Programme from its inception in 2007 for ten consecutive years.

Efua recently completed her tenure as the Immediate Past President of the Greater Accra Branch of the Ghana Bar Association, a position she held for six years.

Throughout her involvement with the GBA, she was a member of the National Council for a cumulative period of sixteen years.

As the Head of Chambers at Ghartey & Ghartey, she oversees all practice areas of the firm, with a particular focus on Investment Law, Corporate Law, Corporate Litigation, and Company Law. She directly manages the firm’s Private Client practice and has considerable litigation experience, having appeared before all courts in Ghana, including the Supreme Court.

Beyond her legal practice, Efua has made significant contributions to faith-based organizations.

She served as the Chairperson of the Global Board of the United Bible Societies Worldwide from November 2016 to November 2019, following seven years of service on the Global Board.

In Ghana, she completed a six-year tenure as Chairperson of the Bible Society of Ghana after fifteen years on the Board. Additionally, she successfully served as the Chairperson of the Board of World Vision Ghana, having been the Vice Chair and a member for nine years.

Efua Ghartey’s extensive experience and dedication to her profession and community work reflect her commitment to legal excellence, social justice, and humanitarian service.

Her leadership roles and active participation in various organizations highlight her as a prominent figure in Ghana’s legal and social sectors.