BY Daniel Bampoe
The Ghana Bar Association (GBA) has moved to set the record straight following widespread reports suggesting that President John Dramani Mahama had not been invited to its 2025 Annual Conference scheduled for Wa in the Upper West Region.
The Association described the publications as “false, misleading and a misconception of facts,” insisting that the President has not only been duly invited but has also accepted to attend the gathering as Guest of Honour.
According to the GBA, the controversy began after initial notices of the conference were circulated without mention of the President’s participation.
This, the Association explained, was because his formal acceptance letter had not yet been received at the time of publication.
Background to the Invitation
The GBA detailed that the Bar Council had, as far back as March 2025, paid a courtesy call on President Mahama where an informal invitation was extended.
A formal invitation letter dated 21st July 2025 was later dispatched to the Presidency, which officially acknowledged receipt on 29th July 2025.
Subsequently, the Association received an acceptance letter from the Presidency dated 1st August 2025, confirming that the President would honour the invitation.
The GBA emphasized that this process mirrors the standard practice followed in previous years, including conferences attended by former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo between 2017 and 2024.
Updated Notice
Following confirmation from the Presidency, the GBA issued an updated circular to members on 8th August 2025, clearly stating that:
“This year’s Conference shall be under the distinguished patronage of H.E. John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana, as Guest of Honour.”
The Association stressed that any suggestions of sidelining the President were therefore unfounded.
Invitation of International Guests
The GBA also responded to criticism regarding its invitation to the Chair of the Bar Council of England and Wales.
It noted that such collaborations are not new, citing the 2022 Annual Conference held in Ho, Volta Region, where the English Bar Council also participated.
Beyond that, the GBA highlighted its longstanding practice of engaging with international professional bodies such as the African Bar Association, the International Bar Association, the Nigerian Bar Association, the Sierra Leonean Bar Association, the Law Society of Kenya, and the American Bar Association.
Non-Partisan Stance
Reaffirming its neutrality, the leadership of the GBA underscored that it remains a non-partisan body, committed solely to upholding the Constitution of Ghana, national laws, and its own Association’s constitution.
“The GBA will not do anything to undermine the authority and dignity of the office of the President of the Republic of Ghana,” the statement concluded.
The 2025 Annual Conference is expected to bring together lawyers, judges, academics, and international legal professionals in Wa, with President Mahama as the special guest.
