Historical Overview
The Ghana Bar Association (GBA) is the professional body of lawyers in Ghana. It was founded in 1958 following the country’s independence, serving as a successor to the earlier legal organizations that operated during colonial rule. The association was established to unify lawyers, uphold the rule of law, and promote justice. The GBA played a significant role in the post-independence era by contributing to the development of legal institutions and the Constitution.
Key milestones in its history include:
- Advocating for judicial independence during military regimes.
- Influencing constitutional reforms, particularly during the drafting of the 1992 Constitution.
Operations of the GBA
The GBA operates with the following core objectives:
Legal Advocacy:
- Promoting the rule of law, human rights, and justice.
Professional Standards:
- Setting and enforcing ethical standards for legal practice.
Public Education:
- Educating citizens about their legal rights and responsibilities.
Continuing Legal Education (CLE):
- Providing ongoing training and development for lawyers.
Advisory Role:
- Offering legal opinions on national issues and governance.
Constitutional Backing:
The GBA derives its legal authority and recognition from:
Article 37 of the 1992 Constitution:
- This article mandates all organizations, including professional bodies, to function in a manner consistent with the Constitution.
Legal Profession Act, 1960 (Act 32):
- This Act regulates the legal profession in Ghana and empowers the GBA to oversee its members.
General Legal Council (GLC):
- The GBA works closely with the GLC, established under Act 32, to regulate legal education and discipline within the profession.
Offices and Leadership
The GBA operates at both the national and regional levels:
National Secretariat:
- Located in Accra, the Secretariat coordinates the association’s nationwide activities.
Regional Bar Associations:
- Each of Ghana’s 16 regions has a regional bar association that manages local activities.
Leadership Structure:
National President:
- The head of the GBA, elected by members during an Annual General Meeting (AGM).
Vice-President:
- Assists the President and steps in during their absence.
General Secretary:
- Oversees administrative functions and correspondence.
Treasurer:
- Manages the finances of the association.
Regional Chairs:
- Head regional bar associations and serve as liaisons to the national body.
Functioning of the GBA
The GBA functions through a combination of:
General Meetings:
- The AGM is the highest decision-making body, where policies and leadership are determined.
Committees:
- Specialized committees handle human rights, constitutional reforms, and legal education.
Advocacy and Public Statements:
- The GBA issues statements on national issues, judicial independence, and legislative matters.
Overseers and Appointment Methods
While the GBA operates independently, it collaborates with:
General Legal Council (GLC):
- Oversees professional conduct and legal education.
Judiciary:
- Works closely to ensure justice delivery.
Government and Parliament:
- Provides advisory opinions on legal and constitutional matters.
Appointments to the GBA leadership are made through elections:
- Held at the AGM.
- Open to all members in good standing.
- Regional leaders are elected at regional meetings.
Current Status and Leaders
As of 2025, the GBA remains one of the most respected professional bodies in Ghana. It actively contributes to national discourse, promotes legal reforms, and defends the independence of the judiciary.
Leadership (2025):
- President: Yaw Acheampong Boafo
- Vice-President: Anthony Forson
- General Secretary: Kwaku Gyau Baffour
- Treasurer: Kwame Gyan
References:
- The Constitution of Ghana (1992): Article 37 provides constitutional backing for professional associations.
- Legal Profession Act, 1960 (Act 32): Governs legal practice and education.
- Ghana Bar AGhana Bar Association Official Website: www.ghanabar.org
- Scholarly article: “The Role of the Ghana Bar Association in Legal Advocacy” by E. K. Mensah, Ghana Journal of Law, 2021.
- Parliamentary records on legal profession regulations in Ghana.