Efua Ghartey, co-founder of Ghartey & Ghartey and expert in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), has become the first female president of the Ghana Bar Association (GBA), paving the way for gender equality in the legal profession.
She was elected president of the GBA congress on Wednesday, September 11, with 1,278 votes, defeating her closest competitor, Agbesi Dzakpasu, who received 1060.
Ghartey has been a lawyer, solicitor, and notary public since 1992. He has held senior roles in many industries such as media, aviation, and education, and has extensive knowledge of company and investment law.
According to Ghana Web, Ghartey has served on numerous committees of the Ghana Bar Association (GBA), including the National Executive post for ten years. She also became the moderator and speaker for the Chief Justice’s Annual Mentoring Program, which began in 2007.
During her 16-year tenure with the GBA, the trailblazer served on the National Council. Ghartey recently completed her six-year term as president of the Ghana Bar Association’s Greater Accra Branch.
Even still, her victory did not come easily. Her astonishing achievement came after two years of unsuccessful attempts to secure the national presidency seat. She had stated her goal to hold the job for six years.
Ghartey has a distinguished legal career that reaches well beyond Ghana. She was a global advocate for women’s rights and legal representation and a member of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) executive committee.
Her involvement on the boards of World Vision Ghana and the United Bible Societies illustrates her dedication to humanitarian causes.
She oversees all practice areas at Ghartey & Ghartey as Head of Chambers, with a focus on business law, corporate law, investment law, and corporate litigation. She directs the firm’s private client practice and has substantial litigation experience, having appeared before all Ghanaian courts, including the Supreme Court.
Ghartey’s election is significant for women in Ghana’s legal profession, as well as for broader societal discussions. She takes the lead as the country passes the groundbreaking Affirmative Action Gender Equity Bill, a new law designed to increase women’s participation in a variety of fields.
Ghana’s President, Nana Akufo-Addo, praised Ghartey’s victory on Facebook, calling it a “powerful statement” that reflects the country’s progress towards inclusivity.
President Akufo-Addo congratulated Mrs. Efua Ghartey and Mrs. Victoria Osei-Bonsu Barth on their stunning victories in this year’s Ghana Bar Association elections! Mrs. Ghartey’s persistence and perseverance have finally paid off, as she becomes the first female National President of the Bar Council after three attempts.”
He continued, “As a member of the Bar, I am overjoyed to live to see this day when the Bar is governed by a woman. As President of the Republic, this win is especially noteworthy because it coincides with the recent passage of the Affirmative Action Act, making it an even more forceful message in the fight for gender equality.”