In an emotional and reflective address, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo delivered his final speech to the Ghana Bar Association as President of the Republic, marking the eighth and last time he would address the august gathering in this capacity.
Speaking to an audience of legal professionals, the President expressed his deep connection to the Bar, recounting how his journey from a young lawyer to the highest office in the land has been shaped by his association with the legal profession.
"This is an emotional occasion for me," President Akufo-Addo began, "addressing, for the eighth and final time, this august gathering in my capacity as President of the Republic. It is also deeply significant because of my long-standing association with the Ghana Bar Association, so I hope you will forgive me if I take some time today."
The President did not hesitate to credit his career in law as the bedrock of his success in public life. He described the legal profession as his natural home, stating that the values he embraced as a lawyer--justice, equity, and the rule of law--have guided him throughout his years of public service.
"My journey to the highest office of the land began within the confines of the legal profession. I am a proud product of this noble profession, and it is here, amongst you, that I have always felt most at home," Akufo-Addo said. He noted that his involvement in the Bar had helped shape not only his career but also his worldview, borrowing the German term "weltanschauung" to describe how the profession had framed his understanding of the world.
The President recalled his early years as a young lawyer, fresh from international corporate law practice in Paris with an American law firm, and how he quickly found himself navigating Ghana's legal system. He paid tribute to the legal minds who mentored him and shared how his rapid introduction to high-profile cases shaped his legal acumen and commitment to advocacy.
"I had the privilege of working alongside some of the finest legal minds this country has ever produced," he said, naming esteemed lawyers such as R.S Blay, Joe Reindorf, B.J da Rocha, and Peter Ala Adjetey. He recounted how he had been thrust into the "deep end of the pool," unexpectedly inheriting the chambers of the renowned Jamaican barrister U.V. Campbell. Despite the challenge, Akufo-Addo described the experience as "exhilarating," crediting it with teaching him the values of integrity, diligence, and the power of advocacy.
The President did not shy away from reflecting on his role as a lawyer during some of Ghana's most turbulent political periods. His involvement in the legal battles of the 1980s and 1990s, particularly during the years of military rule, underscored his commitment to the rule of law and democracy.
"The Ghana Bar Association, during those turbulent times, stood as a bastion of resistance to authoritarian rule," Akufo-Addo said. "We were the voice of the voiceless, the defenders of the oppressed and the guardians of the rule of law." He credited those experiences with solidifying his dedication to the principles of justice and democracy that would later define his political career.
Throughout his career as a lawyer, President Akufo-Addo represented clients from all walks of life, many of whom were up against powerful state institutions. It was in the courtroom that he honed his advocacy skills and deepened his understanding of the law's role in safeguarding freedoms. He emphasized that his legal career had always been about more than just winning cases--it was about ensuring justice and defending the rights of the oppressed.
Transitioning into politics, Akufo-Addo carried the same zeal for justice and democracy into public service. His legal background informed his approach to governance, he said, and he has consistently worked to bring the discipline, rigour, and fairness of the legal profession into the Presidency.
"As President, I have worked to ensure that the principles of justice, transparency, and accountability are not just mere words, but are, in fact, embedded in the fabric of our governance structures," he said. He reflected on how his administration had implemented reforms and policies aimed at strengthening these principles, from judicial appointments to measures ensuring transparency in government.
As he prepares to leave office, President Akufo-Addo used the occasion to reflect on his presidency, describing it as an extension of his legal career. "My presidency, in many ways, has been a continuation of my devotion to the rule of law and the protection of the rights of all Ghanaians," he said.
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He highlighted the progress made during his tenure, emphasizing that his administration had worked tirelessly to uphold the values of justice and democracy. While acknowledging the challenges faced, he expressed confidence that the legal and governance frameworks strengthened under his leadership would continue to serve Ghana well.
In his closing remarks, President Akufo-Addo expressed his gratitude to the Ghana Bar Association for their support and camaraderie over the years. He noted that his time at the Bar had been the foundation of his public life and that he would always cherish his association with the profession.
"As I prepare to hand over the reins of national leadership, it is an appropriate time to reflect on the journey we have travelled together over the past seven-and-a-half years," he said. His farewell was not just to the office of the Presidency, but also to the profession that had nurtured him throughout his career.
The President's final address to the Ghana Bar Association was not just a reflection on his career but also a call to the next generation of lawyers to continue upholding the principles of justice, equity, and the rule of law.
