In a powerful celebration of perseverance, diversity, and progress, 824 newly qualified lawyers were officially called to the Ghana Bar on Friday, October 10, 2025. The ceremony, held at the Accra International Conference Centre, marked a significant milestone in Ghana’s legal and democratic journey.
Presided over by Acting Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, the event saw the new lawyers take their professional oath and receive their qualifying certificates in front of an audience filled with proud families, friends, and legal dignitaries.
Media Professionals Among the New Legal Minds
This year’s call to the bar was particularly notable for the inclusion of several high-profile journalists and media professionals, signaling a growing intersection between law and journalism in Ghana.
Among them were:
- Emmanuel Ebo Hawkson – Graphic Online
- Serwaa Amihere – EIB Network
- Joseph Ackah-Blay – Media General
- Sixtus Don-Ullo – 3News
- Yvonne Asare-Offei – Ghana Broadcasting Corporation
Their transition from media to law highlights a shared commitment to truth, accountability, and public service—core values in both professions.
Celebrating Inclusion and Global Perspectives
The ceremony also honoured six persons with disabilities, whose journey to the Bar was hailed as a testament to resilience and inclusivity in Ghana’s legal system.
One of the standout moments of the event was the call to the Bar of Paul Chen, a Taiwan-born entrepreneur who has lived in Ghana since childhood and now runs a business in Kumasi. His story adds a global dimension to the day’s celebrations.
“Legal education—knowledge—is a powerful tool,” said Paul Chen. “I was born in Taiwan, but I came to Ghana when I was young. I’m currently doing business in Kumasi, and I thought being a lawyer is a very useful thing to do. It will help me with my business in Ghana.”
A Ceremony of Dignity and Purpose
Distinguished dignitaries in attendance included:
- Supreme Court Justice Avril Lovelace-Johnson
- Attorney-General Dr Dominic Ayine
- Deputy Attorney-General Dr Justice Srem-Sai
- Director of Legal Education Prof Raymond Atuguba
- Ghana Bar Association President Efua Ghartey
In his remarks, Acting Chief Justice Baffoe-Bonnie urged the new lawyers to uphold the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, and commitment to justice, especially in an era where public trust in institutions must be safeguarded.
A New Chapter for Ghana’s Legal Landscape
The four-hour ceremony was not just a rite of passage—it was a celebration of ambition, diversity, and national progress. From seasoned journalists to entrepreneurs and advocates for inclusion, the 2025 class of new lawyers reflects a dynamic and evolving legal profession in Ghana.
As they step into their new roles, these legal professionals carry with them the hopes of a nation, the pride of their communities, and the responsibility to uphold the rule of law.
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