The Ghana Bar Association (GBA) has dismissed reports suggesting that it failed to invite President John Dramani Mahama to its 2025 Annual Conference in Wa, Upper West Region.
In a statement issued on Thursday, August 21, the association described the publications as “false, misleading, and a misconception of facts,” insisting that the President had been duly invited and had accepted to attend as Guest of Honour.
The GBA explained that the Bar Council paid a courtesy call on President Mahama in March 2025 to extend an informal invitation, followed by a formal invitation letter on July 21, which was acknowledged by the Presidency on July 29.
An official acceptance letter from the Presidency, dated August 1, confirmed the President’s participation.
The Association clarified that its practice has always been to circulate initial conference notices to members even when responses from invited dignitaries, including the President, are pending.
“Upon receipt of confirmation by the GBA that the President of the Republic would honour the invitation, the Association, in line with its practice, published and circulated another notice… stating that this year’s Conference shall be under the distinguished patronage of H.E. John Dramani Mahama as Guest of Honour,” the statement said.
The GBA also rejected claims that the invitation of the Chair of the Bar Council of England and Wales signalled any sidelining of the President, noting that international bar associations regularly participate in its annual conferences.
“The GBA will not do anything to undermine the authority and dignity of the office of the President of the Republic of Ghana, as it is a non-partisan Association,” the statement concluded.
The 2025 GBA Annual Conference will be held in Wa with President Mahama as the Guest of Honour.
