The Ghana Bar Association (GBA) has dismissed reports suggesting that it failed to invite President John Dramani Mahama to its upcoming 2025 Annual Conference in Wa, Upper West Region.

In a statement issued by the Association’s National Secretariat, the GBA described the publications as “false, misleading, and a misconception of facts,” urging the public to verify information before publication.

According to the GBA, the President was formally invited to the Conference as Guest of Honour and has since confirmed his attendance.

The Association said it first extended an informal invitation during a courtesy call on the President in March 2025.

A formal invitation letter followed on 21st July 2025, which was received at the Presidency on 29th July 2025.

The Presidency, in turn, issued an acceptance letter on 1st August 2025.

The Association explained that initial notices of its annual conferences are circulated to members before responses from invited dignitaries are received.

Once President Mahama’s confirmation was secured, the GBA sent an updated notice to members on 8th August 2025, explicitly stating that the Conference would be held under the President’s distinguished patronage.

The statement further clarified that the GBA’s invitation to the Chair of the Bar Council of England and Wales was not unusual, as the Association regularly collaborates with international professional bodies.

It cited past engagements with the African Bar Association, International Bar Association, Nigerian Bar Association, Sierra Leonean Bar Association, Law Society of Kenya, and the American Bar Association, among others.

Reaffirming its neutrality, the GBA stressed that it is a non-partisan body whose loyalty lies with the Constitution of Ghana, the country’s laws, and its own internal constitution.

“The GBA will not undermine the authority and dignity of the office of the President of the Republic of Ghana,” the statement concluded.

The clarification was jointly signed by Mrs. Efua Ghartey, National President of the GBA, and Kwaku Gyau Baffour, National Secretary, on behalf of the Association’s National Officers.