Urgent call for reform within the Ghana Bar Association
Dear Esteemed Members of the Ghana Bar Association Leadership,
My name is Jonathan A. Alua (Member ID: 7481). I write this letter with the utmost respect for our tradition of revering seniority within the bar, a principle I fully embrace.
I have always held the Ghana Bar Association (GBA) in high esteem, drawn to the profession largely by the boldness and integrity of its past leaders who tirelessly worked to influence governance and policy. However, my experience over the past four years has left me deeply concerned about the current trajectory of our association.
Concerns Over Bar Conference Fees and Leadership Response
This year, the steep increase in fees for the bar conference has sparked significant unrest among younger members of the bar, myself included. While I cannot speak for the more seasoned lawyers, the younger demographic has expressed considerable dissatisfaction, feeling that the association now aims to suppress rather than empower us.
A recent interaction with the GBA executives via a Zoom session only solidified my concerns. The dismissive attitude of our President towards legitimate grievances about the conference fees was disheartening. When questioned about exploring alternative funding through sponsorships to alleviate financial burdens on younger lawyers, the response was dismissively pragmatic, indicating no proactive measures had been taken to engage with potential sponsors. This is particularly frustrating given my successful experience in generating sponsorship as SRC President at the Ghana School of Law.
Call for Inclusive Representation and Action
Many young lawyers, including myself, feel underrepresented in decision-making processes. A petition for a constitutional amendment has been submitted to allow young lawyers a seat at the decision-making table beyond the representative of the Young Lawyers Forum. It is imperative that this is acted upon to ensure our voices are heard and considered. There remains no cogent 21st century reason why a young lawyer cannot perform the duties of a position like deputy secretary or treasurer. These are random examples.
The sentiment among many of my peers is leaning towards a boycott of the conference, reflecting a broader discontent with the status quo. While I do not advocate for a separation from the GBA, I believe in reforming from within to address these systemic issues.
Looking Forward
It’s about time we heightened our focus on improving conditions for young lawyers, fostering responsible leadership, and eradicating the culture of bullying that has no place in our profession.
As we approach the upcoming conference, it is crucial that those attending and voting remain vigilant against superficial promises. The time for passive acceptance of subpar leadership has passed. We are a new generation of lawyers, eager to uphold the dignity of our profession and not settle for being mere “event organizers.”
In conclusion, I urge the senior leadership to consider these points seriously. The future participation of young lawyers in the GBA could very well depend on the actions taken in response to these pressing issues.
Sincerely,
Jonathan A. Alua