GBA denies snubbing Mahama; says he’s the guest of honour for 2025 conference

The Ghana Bar Association (GBA) has dismissed reports claiming it failed to invite President John Dramani Mahama to its 2025 Annual Conference, describing such allegations as false and misleading.

In a statement, the Association clarified that President Mahama has been formally invited as Guest of Honour for the conference, scheduled to take place in Wa, the Upper West Regional capital, and has already confirmed his attendance.

According to the GBA, the Bar Council first extended an informal invitation during a courtesy call on the President in March 2025, followed by a formal letter dated July 21.

It noted that the Presidency acknowledged receipt of the invitation on July 29 and later confirmed President Mahama’s participation in a letter dated August 1, 2025.

The Association explained that its initial conference notices were circulated while awaiting official responses from invited guests, including the President, consistent with its long-standing practice.

“Upon receipt of confirmation by the GBA that the President of the Republic would honour the invitation to attend this year’s Annual Conference at Wa, the Association, in line with its practice, published and circulated another notice stating that the Conference shall be under the distinguished patronage of H.E. John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana, as Guest of Honour,” the statement said.

The GBA also addressed concerns about inviting the Chair of the Bar Council of England and Wales, noting that such participation was not unprecedented, as the Council had attended its 2022 Annual Conference in Ho.

The Association emphasised its strong ties with global legal bodies, including the African Bar Association, International Bar Association, Nigerian Bar Association, Sierra Leonean Bar Association, the Law Society of Kenya, and the American Bar Association.

Reiterating its non-partisan stance, the GBA stated it will never undermine the authority and dignity of the Presidency.

“The GBA is an association of Ghanaian lawyers and its leadership’s fidelity is to the Constitution of Ghana, other laws of Ghana and the Association’s Constitution,” it added.

The 2025 Annual Conference is expected to bring together legal practitioners, policymakers, and international partners to discuss key issues affecting the legal profession and the justice system.

In recent times, there’s been friction between the GBA and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) after the association of lawyers took a stance against the suspension of Gertrude Torkonoo as the Chief Justice and the ongoing processes that could possibly lead to her removal from office.

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