Gifty Afenyi Dadzie and Ama Governor Among 182 New Lawyers Admitted to the Bar

Media practitioner and former President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Gifty Afenyi Dadzie, was among the 182 newly qualified lawyers inducted into the legal profession on Friday, May 31, 2024.

Also among the new lawyers was social media personality Elorm Ababio, popularly known as Ama Governor, who was previously denied entry to the bar on two occasions by the General Legal Council following a complaint about her conduct.

Speaking to the media after her induction, Gifty Afenyi Dadzie said the knowledge she acquired would enhance her contribution to Ghana’s democracy. She noted that her journey to joining the bar was difficult, especially at her age. She commenced her legal education at the University of London and continued her post-call studies at the Ghana School of Law.

She urged the public to persevere and not give up on their dreams, adding, “When you think you’re failing, persevere and God will see you through. For me, this is the doing of the Lord and it’s marvelous in our sight.”

The call to the bar is pursuant to Section 7 of the Legal Profession Act, 1960 (Act 32), which states that the General Legal Council shall from time to time hold formal meetings at which duly qualified applicants shall be enrolled and called to the bar. The Council may at their discretion dispense with the formalities under this section in any particular case.

The event was witnessed by friends, family, and well-wishers of the inductees. Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo led the new lawyers in taking the oath of the legal profession and declaring an undertaking to practice according to the prescribed code of conduct and rules. Present at the event were the Deputy Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Diana Asonaba Dapaah; President of the Ghana Bar Association, Yaw Acheampong Boafo; Director of the Ghana School of Law (GSL), Barima Yaw Kodie Oppong, and other superior court judges.

The Chief Justice admonished the fresh lawyers not to take shortcuts in the pursuit of justice for their clients, emphasizing that proper preparation and a high level of expertise are required to deliver quality justice.