The Ghana Bar Association (GBA) has unequivocally refuted allegations circulating in certain media outlets that it deliberately excluded President John Dramani Mahama from its upcoming 2025 Annual Bar Conference scheduled to be held in Wa, Upper West Region. These publications insinuated a departure from established protocol, contrasting the alleged omission of President Mahama with the purported invitation extended to former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, alongside the Chair of the Bar Council of England and Wales. The GBA, in a formal statement issued on August 21st, categorically denied these claims, emphasizing that President Mahama had not only been invited but was designated as the Guest of Honour for the conference. The GBA clarified that preliminary communication regarding the invitation was made to President Mahama as early as March 2025, followed by an official invitation letter in July, which the President duly accepted. The association expressed concern over the misleading nature of the publications and their potential to misrepresent the facts surrounding the conference arrangements.
The GBA’s emphatic clarification aims to rectify the inaccurate narrative propagated by the media reports and underscore the association’s adherence to protocol in inviting the sitting President to its flagship annual event. The controversy surrounding the alleged omission of President Mahama coincided with a period of strained relations between the GBA and the presidency following the association’s public criticism of President Mahama’s decision to suspend Chief Justice Gertrude Esaaba Torkonoo. This context likely fueled speculation and contributed to the rapid dissemination of the erroneous reports. The GBA’s prompt response sought to quell any further misinterpretations and reaffirm its commitment to engaging with the highest office of the land.
Moreover, the GBA addressed the related issue of the invitation extended to the Chair of the Bar Council of England and Wales, a figure who had recently publicly criticized President Mahama’s handling of the Chief Justice’s suspension. The GBA clarified that this invitation was not an unusual occurrence, but rather a continuation of a long-standing tradition of international collaboration and exchange with bar associations from other jurisdictions. The association emphasized that such invitations are extended regularly to foster dialogue, share best practices, and strengthen relationships within the legal community globally. The presence of international legal figures at the conference is intended to enrich the discussions and provide a broader perspective on legal issues of common interest.
The GBA’s comprehensive statement aimed to address two distinct but interconnected issues: the alleged exclusion of President Mahama and the invitation extended to the Chair of the Bar Council of England and Wales. By providing a detailed timeline of its communication with the President’s office and highlighting the long-standing practice of inviting international legal figures, the association sought to dispel any notion of deliberate snubbing or politically motivated invitations. The GBA’s emphasis on its established protocols and its commitment to fostering international legal cooperation underscored its dedication to maintaining its independence and upholding the rule of law.
The timing of the controversy, coinciding with the GBA’s criticism of the President’s actions regarding the Chief Justice, undoubtedly added a layer of complexity to the situation. The GBA’s swift and detailed response suggests a recognition of the potential for misinterpretation and the need to address the issue transparently. The association’s commitment to upholding the highest ethical standards and its adherence to established protocols are central to its credibility as a leading voice within the legal profession in Ghana. Its proactive communication aimed to reinforce these values and clarify its position amidst a potentially damaging media narrative.
In conclusion, the Ghana Bar Association’s statement sought to definitively refute misleading media reports and provide a clear account of the invitations extended for its 2025 Annual Bar Conference. By emphasizing the early and consistent communication with President Mahama’s office and highlighting the established practice of inviting international legal figures, the GBA demonstrated its commitment to transparency and adherence to protocol. The association’s prompt and comprehensive response served to clarify its position amidst a potentially damaging controversy and reaffirmed its dedication to upholding the principles of fairness, independence, and the rule of law. The GBA’s proactive communication strategy aimed to mitigate further misinterpretations and underscore its role as a responsible and credible voice within the Ghanaian legal community.
