Reports claiming that the Ghana Bar Association (GBA) neglected to invite President John Dramani Mahama to its 2025 Annual Conference in Wa, Upper West Region, have been denied.
Described as “false, misleading, and a misconception of facts,” the group said in a statement released on Thursday, August 21, that the President had been properly invited and had accepted to attend as a Guest of Honor. According to the GBA, the Bar Council made a courtesy call to President Mahama in March 2025 to make an informal invitation.
On July 21, the formal invitation letter was sent, and on July 29, the Presidency acknowledged receipt of it. An official acceptance letter from the Presidency, dated August 1, confirmed the President’s participation.
The Association explained that even when the President and other invited guests have not yet responded, it has always been the practice to send out first notices of conferences to members.
“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.
President Mahama is the honored guest for the 2025 GBA Annual Conference, which will be place in Wa.