By Morkporkpor Anku, GNA
Accra, April 14, GNA – The Ghana Bar Association (GBA) Women’s Forum Tuesday honoured nine distinguished women lawyers for their outstanding contributions to shaping Ghana’s legal landscape.
They are Mrs Georgina Wood, the first female Chief Justice, Mrs Joyce Bamford-Addo, first female Speaker of Parliament, Mrs Betty Mould-Iddrisu, first female Attorney-General, and Mrs Grace Orleans, first Solicitor-General.
The rest are Mrs Efua Ghartey, first female GBA President; Mrs Felicia Gbesemete, first female GBA Vice President; Mrs Essi Forster, first female lawyer; Justice Mrs Annie Jiagge, first female Judge; and Justice Professor Akua Kuenyehia, first female university law professor.
The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Ghana was also honoured for being the first female lawyers’ association in the country and for its outstanding contribution to the promotion and protection of women’s and children’s rights since its establishment in 1974.
The awards were presented at the maiden Biennial Conference and Trailblazers Awards Ceremony in Accra, in collaboration with the Ghana School of Law.
It was on the theme: “The Role of Women Lawyers in National Development: Honouring Trailblazers.”
Professor Raymond Akongburo Atuguba, Director of the Ghana School of Law, commended the awardees for their resilience, professionalism, and commitment to excellence.
He said the event symbolised both reflection and progress in the advancement of women within the legal profession.
“This gathering is not merely ceremonial but a recognition of decades of resilience by women who have transformed challenges into opportunities and redefined the legal space in Ghana,” he said.
Prof Atuguba said the institution took pride in having nurtured legal minds who continued to shape national development, particularly women who had broken barriers and paved the way for future generations.
He emphasised that the contributions of women lawyers to national development extended beyond courtrooms into governance, academia, and public service.
The Director urged participants to remain committed to building an inclusive legal profession, adding that the achievements of today’s women lawyers should inspire young girls to pursue careers in law with confidence and determination.
Mrs Efua Ghartey, President of the GBA, described the conference as a significant milestone and a dream realised for women at the Bar.
She reflected on the journey of women in the legal profession, from the pioneering efforts of early female lawyers to the growing influence of women across the judiciary, legislature, and public institutions.
The GBA President noted that the progress achieved was a testament to the courage, discipline, and excellence of trailblazers who defied societal expectations.
She highlighted the increasing representation of women within the legal profession, pointing to near gender parity in some areas of practice and leadership.
Mrs Ghartey encouraged women lawyers to continue striving for excellence and to remain committed to lifelong learning, noting that the profession demanded both competence and integrity.
She called on younger lawyers to draw inspiration from the achievements of their predecessors and to contribute meaningfully to national development.
She expressed optimism that the future of the legal profession in Ghana would be shaped significantly by women, whose growing numbers and influence continued to redefine the landscape of justice and governance.
The event brought together leading members of the Bench and Bar, policymakers, academics, and students to celebrate the achievements of women who have broken barriers and contributed significantly to the advancement of justice, governance, and social development in Ghana.
GNA
Edited by Agnes Boye-Doe