Nana Oye Bampoe Addo Calls for Reforms to Eliminate Gender Bias in Justice System

Deputy Chief of Staff Nana Oye Bampoe Addo has called for sustained legal and institutional reforms to eliminate gender bias within Ghana’s justice system, urging women lawyers to continue building on the legacy of early legal pioneers.

She made the appeal at the maiden Biennial Conference of the Women’s Forum of the Ghana Bar Association, held in collaboration with the Ghana School of Law in Accra on the theme “The Role of Women Lawyers in National Development: Honouring Trailblazers.”

Madam Bampoe Addo paid tribute to pioneering figures such as Matilda Foster and Annie Jiagge, noting that the progress of women in law was achieved through sacrifice and determination.

She also highlighted the contributions of former Chief Justices and legal figures including Georgina Wood, Sophia Akuffo and Gertrude Torkornoo, describing their leadership as evidence of women’s growing influence in the judiciary.

However, she expressed concern about persistent gender biases in judicial decisions, particularly in areas affecting women’s rights and family law, calling for more progressive and context-sensitive interpretation of the law.

She further urged mentorship and inclusivity within the legal profession to empower the next generation of female lawyers.

Also addressing the conference, Commissioner of Police Lydia Donkor encouraged more women lawyers to consider careers in law enforcement, stressing the importance of legal expertise in strengthening justice delivery.

The event also honoured nine distinguished women, including Georgina Wood, Joyce Bamford-Addo, Betty Mould-Iddrisu and Annie Jiagge, as well as the International Federation of Women Lawyers for its longstanding contribution to the promotion of women’s and children’s rights.