As the Ghana Bar Association (GBA) prepares for its national elections tomorrow, Wednesday, 11 September 2024, the legal community stands at the brink of a potential historic breakthrough.

This year’s election features two exceptional women competing for the highest leadership roles within the Bar, raising the prospect of a landmark shift in the Association’s leadership.

Mrs Efua Ghartey, a highly respected and experienced lawyer, is running for the position of National President for the third time. Despite losing in two previous elections by narrow margins — 67 votes to Mr Anthony Forson and 65 votes to the current president, Mr Yaw Acheampong Boafo — Mrs Ghartey has remained steadfast in her quest for leadership.

With six years of campaigning and a reputation as an advocate for women’s rights, she has emerged as a frontrunner this year. Many believe her perseverance, coupled with her extensive service to the Bar, makes her well-positioned to secure victory, adding a win for Mrs Ghartey would signify a progressive step forward for the GBA.

In tandem, Mrs Victoria Barth, an outstanding lawyer with a strong academic background, is contesting for the position of National Vice President. With a stellar teaching career at the Ghana School of Law, she has garnered the support of many young lawyers who have been inspired by her mentorship. Additionally, her role as a key member of President Nana Akufo-Addo's legal team during the 2021 election petition has earned her national recognition. Her candidacy has invigorated the race, with many seeing her as a natural fit for leadership within the Association.

If successful, the election of both Mrs Ghartey and Mrs Barth would mark a historic double win, breaking the long-standing male dominance of the GBA’s leadership. This milestone would come at a crucial time, aligning with the recent passage of the Affirmative Action Act under the Akufo-Addo administration, which aims to promote gender equality and empower women in leadership positions. Their victory would send a powerful signal that the GBA is ready to embrace a more inclusive and forward-thinking future.

As the election draws near, the anticipation within the legal fraternity is palpable. Should the GBA members choose these two trailblazing women to lead, it would not only make history but also set a transformative precedent for the future of the Bar.