The Ghana Bar Association on Thursday pushed back against reports suggesting it had failed to invite President John Dramani Mahama to its 2025 Annual Conference, calling the claims “false, misleading, and a misconception of facts.”
In a statement issued August 21, the GBA said President Mahama had not only been formally invited but had confirmed his participation as Guest of Honour. According to the association, members of the Bar Council paid a courtesy visit to the President in March to extend an informal invitation. That was followed by a formal letter dispatched on July 21, which was acknowledged by the Presidency on July 29. An official acceptance letter, dated August 1, confirmed Mahama’s attendance.
“The GBA has always followed a practice of notifying its members about upcoming conferences even while awaiting responses from invited dignitaries,” the association said, emphasizing that a second notice was circulated once the President’s participation was confirmed. That notice formally stated that the 2025 Conference, to be held in Wa in the Upper West Region, would proceed under the “distinguished patronage of H.E. John Dramani Mahama.”
The GBA also addressed speculation that the inclusion of the Chair of the Bar Council of England and Wales was indicative of sidelining the Ghanaian President. Such claims, it said, misunderstood the longstanding tradition of including representatives from international bar associations in its annual events.
“The GBA will not do anything to undermine the authority and dignity of the office of the President of the Republic of Ghana,” the association said, noting its non-partisan character.
The 2025 GBA Annual Conference is set to take place later this year, with President Mahama confirmed as its Guest of Honour.
