Efua Ghartey Biography: Age, Wikipedia, Husband, GBA President Election, Education, Career And Personal Life

Efua Ghartey Biography

Efua Ghartey was born on March 23, 1965, in Winneba, Ghana. From a young age, she demonstrated a passion for justice and a keen intellect, both of which would define her illustrious career in law. Efua completed her studies at the University of Ghana in 1989, where she excelled academically and showed great promise in the legal field. She was called to the Ghana Bar in 1991, marking the beginning her career. Efua Ghartey is 59 years old as of 2024.

Efua Ghartey is known not just for her professional achievements but also for her tenacity and commitment to gender equality in a predominantly male-dominated profession. Her journey was shaped by a deep belief in justice and fairness, which she carried with her from her early days in Winneba to her current position as a leader in Ghana’s legal community.

Efua Ghartey Career

Efua Ghartey began her career as a Legal Aid Officer, helping those who couldn’t afford legal representation. Her commitment to justice and fairness quickly caught the attention of Akufo-Addo, Prempeh & Co., one of Ghana’s leading law firms, where she joined as an associate. Here, she honed her skills, built a reputation for excellence, and gained invaluable experience in litigation and corporate law.

In 1994, she took a bold step and co-founded Ghartey & Ghartey, alongside her husband Joe Ghartey. As Head of Chambers, Efua specialized in various aspects of corporate law, including mergers and acquisitions, international trade law, and alternative dispute resolution. Under her leadership, Ghartey & Ghartey became known for its rigorous legal expertise and commitment to ethical practice.

Efua’s influence extended beyond her law firm. She served in leadership positions in several prestigious organizations, including the International Federation of Female Lawyers (FIDA) and the Ghana Bar Association (GBA). Her work with these organizations has been instrumental in advancing women’s rights and promoting ethical standards within the legal profession. She currently serves as President of the Greater Accra Bar Association and has been a pivotal figure in numerous national and international boards, including the Global Council of the United Bible Societies and World Vision Ghana.

Efua Ghartey Personal Life

Efua Ghartey’s personal life reflects the same commitment and strength she brings to her professional roles. Efua Ghartey is married to Joe Ghartey, a respected lawyer and politician in Ghana. Together, they have two children and are known for their strong family values and support for each other’s careers. Efua’s life as a wife, mother, and career woman has often been a balancing act, but she handles it with grace and determination.

In her private moments, Efua is known to be a deeply spiritual person. She attributes much of her success to her faith and frequently expresses her gratitude for the opportunities she has had to serve her country and profession. Despite her busy schedule, she remains actively involved in community service, often supporting initiatives aimed at improving access to justice and education in Ghana.

Her journey has not been without challenges. She faced setbacks in her bid for the GBA presidency, narrowly losing twice to Tony Forson and Yaw Boafo by just 67 and 65 votes, respectively. However, she remained undeterred, using each experience as a stepping stone to greater determination and strength.

Efua Ghartey’s Win at the GBA President Election

Efua Ghartey’s election as the first female President of the Ghana Bar Association (GBA) marks a historic moment in the legal profession in Ghana. Her election took place at the GBA congress in Kumasi on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, and is considered a transformative moment for the association. She won the presidency with 1,278 votes, defeating her closest contender, Agbesi Dzakpasu, who polled 1,060 votes. This victory is significant, as it breaks the long tradition of male leadership in the GBA since its inception.

Efua’s journey to this historic win was not easy. This was her third attempt at the presidency. Her previous bids were close contests, and she narrowly lost to her predecessors by just a handful of votes. Undeterred by these setbacks, she spent the past six years consistently voicing her intention to lead the GBA and advocating for a more inclusive and progressive legal community.

In her acceptance speech, Efua Ghartey expressed her deep gratitude and promised to bring new energy and perspective to the role. She stated, “I am humbled and honored to be the first female President of the Ghana Bar Association. This indeed is something new; the bar has, for the first time, entrusted leadership to a woman. We shall make you proud. We shall make sure that you never regret this choice. What we ask for moving forward is that not only do you pray for us but also hold our hands.”

Her election is seen as a major breakthrough for women in the legal profession in Ghana and is a testament to her hard work, dedication, and commitment to advancing the cause of justice. As President of the GBA, Efua has pledged to protect the rights of lawyers, promote the rule of law, and advance the interests of the legal profession. Her inauguration is scheduled for Monday, November 4, 2024, where she will formally assume her new role and begin her journey as the leader of Ghana’s legal community.

Conclusion

Efua Ghartey’s life and career are a testament to perseverance, dedication, and a relentless pursuit of justice. As a distinguished lawyer, she has broken barriers and set new standards for what is possible in the legal profession in Ghana. Her election as the first female President of the Ghana Bar Association marks a significant milestone, not just for her but for all women in the legal field. Efua continues to inspire with her vision, leadership, and unwavering commitment to justice.

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