Ghana’s legal community witnessed a historic moment on Friday, October 10, 2025, as 824 newly qualified lawyers were officially called to the Bar at a ceremony that celebrated excellence, diversity, and perseverance.

The event, held at the Accra International Conference Centre, was presided over by Acting Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, who administered the professional oath and presented certificates to the new lawyers.

This year’s call to the Bar stood out not only for its scale but also for the diverse backgrounds of the inductees, reflecting the evolving and inclusive nature of Ghana’s legal landscape.

Among the new lawyers were several media professionals, highlighting the growing link between law, journalism, and civic responsibility. Notable names included Emmanuel Ebo Hawkson of Graphic Online, Serwaa Amihere of EIB Network, Joseph Ackah-Blay of Media General, Sixtus Don-Ullo of 3News, and Yvonne Asare-Offei of the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation.

Observers noted that their inclusion in the legal fraternity underscores the importance of legal literacy in journalism and its role in strengthening ethical reporting and democratic accountability.

The ceremony was attended by families, friends, and mentors who filled the auditorium with applause and emotion as each inductee received their professional recognition. Among the most celebrated moments was the acknowledgment of six persons with disabilities, whose success stories served as an inspiring testament to resilience and inclusivity in Ghana’s legal education system.

Adding to the day’s uniqueness was the story of Paul Chen, a Chinese-born entrepreneur based in Kumasi, whose journey to becoming a lawyer captured the audience’s attention.

Born in Taiwan and raised in Ghana, Paul shared that his Ghanaian upbringing inspired his passion for justice and education.
“I came to Ghana when I was young and now run a business in Kumasi,” he said. “I believe legal knowledge is a powerful tool—it helps in business, in understanding society, and in making fair decisions.”

Distinguished guests at the event included Supreme Court Justice Avril Lovelace-Johnson, Attorney-General Dr. Dominic Ayine, Deputy Attorney-General Dr. Justice Srem-Sai, Director of Legal Education Prof. Raymond Atuguba, and Ghana Bar Association President Efua Ghartey.

In his address, Acting Chief Justice Baffoe-Bonnie congratulated the new lawyers and urged them to uphold the values of integrity, service, and professionalism, reminding them that their role as advocates extends beyond the courtroom to the broader pursuit of justice in society.

He emphasized that the newly qualified lawyers represent the future of Ghana’s legal system and encouraged them to use their skills to advance fairness, equity, and accountability in all sectors of national life.

The 2025 Call to the Bar thus marked not only the induction of a new class of lawyers but also a celebration of diversity, inclusion, and the enduring strength of Ghana’s legal tradition.