J.B. Afrifa Unveils Policy Vision for a Stronger Young Lawyers’ Forum
“The following reflections are based on the Policy Launch and Dialogue hosted by J.B. Afrifa at the Movenpick Ambassador Hotel on 20 June 2026.”
On Saturday, 20 June 2026, young lawyers from across Ghana gathered at the Movenpick Ambassador Hotel in Accra for a Policy Launch and Dialogue hosted by Mr. J.B. Afrifa, presidential candidate in the upcoming Young Lawyers’ Forum elections scheduled for 7 July 2026.
The event provided an opportunity for meaningful engagement on key challenges confronting young practitioners and outlined a policy agenda aimed at strengthening the professional, economic, and social welfare of young lawyers within the Ghana Bar Association.
A central pillar of the policy framework was the proposed Young Lawyers Wellness and Well-Being Initiative, aimed at improving the overall quality of life of young practitioners. Recognizing the demanding nature of legal practice, the initiative seeks to promote mental health awareness, access to counselling services, wellness programmes, and professional support systems. The proposal further explores the establishment of healthcare partnerships to provide affordable medical coverage and basic health insurance packages for members of the Forum. Additionally, the policy contemplates innovative member welfare interventions, including access to electric vehicle financing schemes and other sustainable mobility solutions designed to improve the economic well-being of young lawyers.
The policy platform also demonstrated a strong commitment to Accessibility and Inclusion for Persons with Disabilities within the Young Lawyers’ Forum. Among the proposals discussed were measures to improve physical and procedural accessibility within courts and legal institutions for lawyers living with disabilities. The initiative further seeks to introduce a comprehensive member identification system that would assist the Forum in understanding and responding more effectively to the unique needs of its members, while ensuring that no young lawyer is excluded from professional opportunities due to disability-related barriers.
Another significant proposal centred on Mentorship, Professional Development, and Continuous Training. Recognising the importance of practical guidance during the early years of legal practice, the policy seeks to establish structured mentorship programmes connecting young lawyers with experienced practitioners across various fields of law. The proposal also emphasises increased access to continuing legal education, specialised skills training, leadership development opportunities, advocacy workshops, and exposure to emerging areas of practice, including arbitration, mediation, technology law, and international dispute resolution.
The dialogue also focused on the need for a robust Anti-Bullying and Anti-Sexual Harassment Framework within the legal profession. The proposed policy advocates the adoption of clear mechanisms to address workplace bullying, sexual harassment, discrimination, and other forms of professional misconduct. It further calls for confidential reporting channels, dedicated complaint mechanisms, and institutional safeguards capable of protecting young lawyers while ensuring accountability and professionalism across the Bar.
A further area of considerable interest was the proposal for Standardised Compensation for Young Lawyers, aimed at promoting fair remuneration and improved working conditions across the profession. The policy seeks to encourage the development of structured compensation benchmarks, particularly for young lawyers entering private practice, public service, and emerging areas of legal practice. Importantly, the proposal recognises the growing relevance of alternative career pathways and advocates increased support for lawyers pursuing careers in arbitration, mediation, Media & Entertainment Law, Sea, Air & Space Law, AI & Technology Law, Health Law & Policy, Sports Law, and other non-traditional sectors of the legal profession.
The event underscored the increasing desire among young lawyers for practical reforms that address both professional development and member welfare. Through proposals centred on mentorship, accessibility, wellness, fair compensation, professional training, workplace dignity, and inclusion, the dialogue contributed meaningfully to the ongoing conversation about the future of the Young Lawyers’ Forum and the legal profession in Ghana.
As the 7 July elections approach, the policy launch offered more than campaign promises. It presented a vision for a Forum that is more inclusive, more responsive, and better equipped to meet the evolving needs of young practitioners. Anchored by the campaign slogan, “The Future Bar, Stronger Together,” Mr. Afrifa’s proposals reflect a commitment to fostering a legal community where every young lawyer, regardless of background, practice area, or ability, has access to opportunity, support, and professional growth. The message emerging from the dialogue was clear: the future of the Bar will be shaped not by individual success alone, but by collective progress and shared advancement.
