Last year marked a historic shift in women's representation in leadership and decision-making in Ghana. The introduction of the Affirmative Action Act signaled the government’s recognition of the need to address gender imbalances in the public and private sectors. The Act demonstrates that the Ghanaian government has acknowledged the need for concrete steps to advance gender equality. In line with this movement, the University of Ghana School of Law has also taken an important step to ensure that gender-responsive change is initiated to address the challenges women face in the legal profession.
The University of Ghana School of Law (UGSOL), in partnership with the Institute for African Women in Law (IAWL), hosted a momentous event to underscore its unwavering commitment and dedication to championing human rights and gender equality in line with the Affirmative Action Act of 2024. This event, which occurred on Monday, 3rd March 2025, at the UGSOL main auditorium, was significant as it was where UGSOL publicly adopted the Gender Equality in Law Model Policy. The event, held on Monday, 3rd March 2025, was a significant moment as it marked the public adoption of the Gender Equality in Law Model Policy by UGSOL. This event also served as a platform to honor the achievements and contributions of Professor Akua Kuenyehia to legal education, women’s rights, the rule of law and justice with the presentation of IAWL’s Legacy Award.
Professor Raymond Atuguba, the Dean of UGSOL, opened the event with his remarks. He stressed the university’s unwavering commitment to gender equality and expressed pride in being the first institution to implement this essential Gender Equality in Law Model Policy.
Remarks from the Board Chair of the Institute for African Women in Law, Ms. Elizabeth Adu, followed where she noted “how wonderful it is that we are not only putting in place and recognizing a policy, but recognizing one of the leaders among many leaders who is here with us today…”. She congratulated Professor Akua Kuenyehia for her outstanding achievements, and UGSOL for this historic move to implement a Gender Equality in Law Policy.
Professor Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ghana, commended UGSOL for its courageous efforts to drive change and create an atmosphere where faculty members and students can excel in their respective fields. She also stressed the importance of adopting this Model policy as the first initiative at the institution where Professor Kuenyehia’s innovative work in legal education and gender advocacy originated. She emphasized key policies, such as the anti-harassment and gender policies, that the University of Ghana has implemented to foster an inclusive university community.
After recapping the research conducted by IAWL that led to the design of the Model Policy, Professor J. Jarpa Dawuni, Founder and Executive Director of IAWL, shared remarks on the role of leadership in promoting gender equity. UGSOL officially adopted the Gender Equality in Law Model Policy, which was marked by Professor Raymond Atuguba and Professor Christine Dowuona-Hammond signing the Adoption Agreement. Subsequently, a copy of the Model Policy was presented to the University of Ghana School of Law, highlighting UGSOL’s commitment to advancing gender equality in the legal academic arena.
From top left to bottom right: Mrs. Efua Ghartey, Mr. Sam Okudzeto, Honorable Diana Dapaah, Dorothy Phoebe Ayitey, Dr. Sena Dei-Tutu, and Her Excellency Ambassador Anna Bossman
Keynote speakers such as Mrs. Efua Ghartey, the first female President of the Ghana Bar Association, shared heartwarming experiences of how Professor Kuenyehia impacted her life, from a very young age. Mrs. Ghartey praised Professor Kuenyehia’s astounding ability to multitask as a mother, giving the necessary love and support her family needed while conducting her work duties with excellence. Honorable Diana Dapaah, the former Deputy Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, also noted the importance of translating the essential tenets of gender equality and equity into our homes. Mr. Sam Okudzeto, founder of Sam Okudzeto and Associates, a leading law firm in Ghana; Her Excellency Ambassador Anna Bossman, Ghana’s former Ambassador to France, Portugal and Monaco; Judge Ann Claire Williams, former Judge of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois; Ms. Dorothy Phoebe Ayitey and Dr. Sena Dei-Tutu, law lecturers at UGSOL and Ms. Maame Yaa Tamakloe, a representative of the Law Students’ Union at UGSOL; joined in congratulating Professor Akua Kuenyehia for her remarkable achievements as a pace-setter in the legal profession.
The Chief Justice of the Republic of Ghana, Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo, honored Professor Akua Kuenyehia by commending her accomplishments and acknowledging her nurturing support and career guidance throughout the Chief Justice's legal career.
Professor Akua Kuenyehia was then presented with a citation, read by Mrs. Sheila Minkah-Premo, a leading gender advocate, Honorable Diana Asonaba Dapaah, former Deputy Attorney General of Ghana, and Ms. Esine Okudzeto, Deputy Managing Partner at Sam Okudzeto and Associates. This Legacy Award signified the legal community's recognition of her tremendous work and accomplishments. Professor Kuenyehia gracefully accepted the citation and award, recounting her legal journey and the key principles that carried her through successfully.
The public adoption of the Gender Equality in Law Model Policy and the special recognition of Professor Akua Kuenyehia marked a tremendous success. The event sparked a conversation and movement to achieve gender equality within Ghana's legal profession and legal system. The momentum generated by this adoption is expected to drive tangible actions and reforms that will create a more just and equitable working environment for all legal professionals. The Gender Equality in Law Model Policy is set to leave a lasting impact on the development of a legal community that is genuinely representative, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of all members of society.
The Gender Equality in Law Model Policy is a carefully drafted document by the IAWL to guide institutions and organizations in creating gender-sensitive and inclusive work environments. It is a publicly accessible resource that all institutions should adopt. This document is the result of rigorous research conducted to survey the prevalence or otherwise of sexual harassment, gender bias and stereotypes, inequitable hiring and promotion and unequal pay for equal work in the legal profession across Africa.
The Gender Equality in Law Campaign (GELC) by the Institute for African Women in Law aims to eliminate the gender inequities ingrained in workplaces through Awareness, Advocacy and Activation. GELC uses evidence-based research, public advocacy, and stakeholder engagement to highlight the challenges women in the legal profession face. GELC’s impact is significant in driving policy reforms that promote equitable and inclusive institutional practices while supporting women's career and leadership development.
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