Efua Ghartey, a highly respected lawyer, co-founder of the famed law firm Ghartey & Ghartey, and expert in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), has broken ground as the first female president of the Ghana Bar Association (GBA), symbolizing a new chapter in gender equity within the legal profession.
She was elected president at the GBA congress on Wednesday, September 11, polling 1,278 votes to beat her closest contender Agbesi Dzakpasu, who polled 1060.
Ghartey has been a lawyer, solicitor, and notary public since 1992 and has held senior positions in many businesses, including media, aviation, and education while also demonstrating a great degree of competence in company law and investment law.
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Ghana Web reports that Ghartey has been involved in multiple committees within the Ghana Bar Association (GBA) and held the position of National Executive for ten years. Additionally, she became the moderator and speaker for the Chief Justice’s Annual Mentoring Programme which began in 2007.
The trailblazer served as a member of the National Council for 16 years throughout her time with the GBA. Ghartey just finished her six-year term as the GBA’s Greater Accra Branch’s president.
Even still, her triumph did not come easily. Her remarkable accomplishment came after two years of failing to win the national presidency position. She had expressed her intention to hold the office for six years.
Ghartey has an outstanding legal career that extends far beyond Ghana. A global advocate for women’s rights and legal representation, she served as an executive member of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA).
Her work on the boards of prominent organizations like World Vision Ghana and the United Bible Societies demonstrates her deep commitment to humanitarian activities.
She manages all practice areas at Ghartey & Ghartey in her capacity as Head of Chambers, with an emphasis on company law, corporate law, investment law, and corporate litigation. With extensive litigation experience gained from appearing before all Ghanaian courts, including the Supreme Court, she oversees the firm’s private client practice directly.
Ghartey’s election is important for women in the legal field in Ghana as well as for broader conversations impacting society. She takes the lead at a time when the nation enacts the ground-breaking Affirmative Action Gender Equity Bill, a new law intended to boost the participation of women in various sectors.
In a Facebook post, Ghana’s President Nana Akufo-Addo celebrated Ghartey’s success as a “powerful statement” that resonates with Ghana’s continued progress toward inclusiveness.
President Akufo-Addo stated, “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.”
He added, “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.”
