GBA debunks claims of snubbing Mahama
The Ghana Bar Association (GBA) has firmly rejected reports suggesting it failed to invite President John Dramani Mahama to its 2025 Annual Conference, describing such claims as false, misleading, and a distortion of facts.
In a statement issued on Thursday, August 21, 2025, the GBA confirmed that President Mahama was duly invited and has officially accepted to attend the event as the Guest of Honour.
According to the Association, the Bar Council extended an informal invitation during a courtesy call on the President in March 2025, followed by a formal letter dated 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 GBA clarified that it is standard practice to issue initial conference notices before receiving formal responses from invited dignitaries.
Once the President’s acceptance was confirmed, the Association promptly published a follow-up notice announcing President Mahama as the distinguished Guest of Honour.
The Association also dismissed suggestions that inviting the Chair of the Bar Council of England and Wales was intended to sideline the President.
It emphasised that the participation of international legal bodies is a longstanding tradition and does not conflict with the role of the President at the conference.
“The GBA is a non-partisan body and holds the office of the President of the Republic of Ghana in the highest esteem,” the statement affirmed.
“We would never engage in any act that undermines the authority or dignity of the Presidency.”
The 2025 GBA Annual Conference will take place in Wa, Upper West Region, with H.E. John Dramani Mahama attending as Guest of Honour.
Read the full statement below
