Ghana Bar Association (GBA) Vice Presidential Candidate 2024
Victoria Nana Ama Barth is a distinguished legal practitioner with over two decades of experience, running for Vice President of the Ghana Bar Association (GBA) in the upcoming elections. Since being called to the bar in 2002, Victoria has cultivated a reputation for her Corporate Advisory, Civil Litigation, and Alternative Dispute Resolution expertise, positioning herself as a formidable candidate for this leadership role.
Legal Practice and Expertise
Victoria’s legal practice spans Civil Litigation, Alternative Dispute Resolution and Corporate Advisory, making her a versatile and well-rounded legal professional. Her expertise in these areas has been honed over years of dedicated service, where she has consistently delivered exceptional legal counsel and representation. As a seasoned litigator, she has handled numerous high-profile cases, setting precedents in areas such as contractual sanctity and equitable property distribution during marriage. Her practice is marked by a commitment to ethical conduct, effective dispute resolution and the pursuit of justice for all her clients.
Leadership Vision
At the heart of Victoria's campaign is her unwavering commitment to the principles of integrity, inclusivity, and accountable leadership. She envisions a GBA that is a pillar of advocacy and a proactive organization dedicated to the welfare and advancement of all its members. Her leadership strategy focuses on strengthening the Bar committees to ensure they function efficiently and make a tangible impact on the administration of justice.
Victoria aims to create a dynamic and inclusive GBA that champions justice through ethical practice and fosters professional excellence. She is passionate about driving initiatives promoting excellence in litigation and general legal practice. Moreover, she is determined to support the inclusion and professional advancement of underrepresented groups within the legal profession.
Past and Current Leadership Achievements
Victoria’s career is marked by numerous accolades that speak to her professionalism and competence. She was awarded for Excellence in Law & Leadership, particularly in Litigation, by the Institute for Women in Law (IAWL) in 2022. She is also one of eight Ghanaian lawyers ranked by Chambers Global in Band 2 for Dispute Resolution Practice in 2024, highlighting her expertise and leadership in the field. Furthermore, her appointment in July 2024 as one of Ghana’s two representatives on the ICC International Court of Arbitration for the 2024-2027 term is a testament to her global standing in the legal profession.
Victoria’s leadership vision extends beyond the borders of Ghana. She has represented the GBA at various international forums, including Commonwealth Law Conferences. Notably, she has presented papers on critical issues such as "Self-Represented Litigants: The Real Cost to Parties and Society" and "The Legal Protection of Children around the Commonwealth – The Challenges of Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation; A Ghanaian Perspective." Her active participation in these global discussions underscores her commitment to bringing a broader perspective to the GBA’s leadership.
What makes her the best candidate?
Victoria Barth brings to the table a profound alignment of skills, experience, and passion in line with the demands of the Vice President position. Having served as the Managing Partner of her firm for over six years, she has overseen its growth and strategic direction, demonstrating her leadership capabilities. Additionally, her role as Chairperson of the Ethics and Compliance sub-committee of a Regulated Financial Institution’s Board of Directors over the past four years showcases her ability to lead, collaborate, and ensure compliance with regulatory and ethical standards.
Her extensive experience within the GBA itself also makes her an ideal candidate. She has served in various capacities that have allowed her to advance the values of ethics and integrity within the legal profession. Her roles have included Secretary of the Continuing Legal Education Committee (2013-2015), Secretary of the Scale of Fees Review Committee (2015), Member of the Greater Accra Bar Review Committee on the Legal Profession (Amendment) Bill (2019), and Member and Secretary of the Adhoc Committee for the Review of the Legal Profession Bill (2021). Most recently, she served on the General Legal Council Committee for drafting Guidelines on Continuing Professional Development (2023).
Her commitment to legal education is perhaps most evident in her role as Head of Faculty for Advocacy and Legal Ethics at the Ghana School of Law. For over 15 years, she has been at the forefront of training the next generation of legal practitioners, instilling in them the values of ethical practice and robust advocacy. Her belief that "The function of leadership is to produce more leaders, not more followers" underpins her approach to education and leadership within the GBA.
Conclusion
Victoria Barth’s candidacy for vice president of the GBA represents not only her commitment to the advancement of women but she exemplifies the importance of battle-tested, resilient women who can hold the door open for more equitable representation at the bar. Her stalwart support of institutions like the GBA Women’s Forum and IAWL shows her commitment to the cause of inclusivity and women’s advancement. Her extensive leadership experience, commitment to legal education, and active involvement in local and international legal discourse make her a compelling choice for this vital role. As Vice President, her tested experience, integrity, and vision for an inclusive and accountable legal profession will help to lead the GBA toward greater efficiency, inclusivity, and excellence, ensuring that it remains a strong advocate for justice and the welfare of all its members.