The Ghana Bar Association (GBA) has refuted claims that it neglected to invite President John Dramani Mahama to its 2025 Annual Conference in Wa, Upper West Region.
In a statement released on Thursday, August 21, the association labeled the reports as “false, misleading, and a misconception of facts,” asserting that President Mahama was properly invited and had agreed to attend as Guest of Honour.
The GBA explained that in March 2025, Bar Council members made a courtesy visit to President Mahama to extend an informal invite, followed by a formal invitation letter on July 21. The Presidency acknowledged this on July 29, and an official acceptance letter dated August 1 confirmed the President’s participation. The Association noted its usual practice is to circulate preliminary conference notices to members while awaiting responses from dignitaries.
“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 dismissed allegations that inviting the Chair of the Bar Council of England and Wales implied sidelining the President, noting international bar associations often participate in its 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 take place in Wa with President Mahama as the Guest of Honour.
