The Association of Black Woman Attorneys, New York recently celebrated their week-long retreat in Ghana, West Africa.
This event, themed “Reinforcing Bonds and Connecting with the Diaspora” saw a large delegation of ABWA in Ghana.
The visit was rendered more significant as it coincided with the ‘Year of Return Celebrations’ of Ghana, instituted to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the trans-Atlantic slave trade.
The ABWA team was hosted in Ghana by the Institute of International Affairs, Ghanawww.ghiia.org.
High points of the visit included tours of the two iconic slave castles in Cape Coast and Elmina (made even more famous by visits in recent years by the Obama’s) and a courtesy call on Ghana’s Attorney-General, Madam Gloria Akuffo.
“It is an honor to be able to have undertaken this trip. For many members of ABWA, this is a pilgrimage to connect with our heritage,’ said Tanya Blocker, president of ABWA.
‘Professionally as well we are excited at the opportunity to bond and build connections with the female attorney tradition in Ghana. It is exciting to note that Ghana has a deep heritage of lawyers rising far in the legal profession, with many ladies ascending to the high offices of Attorney-General and Chief Justice.’
‘Akwaaba to Ghana, ABWA, said Gloria Akuffo Attorney -General of Ghana. It is my pleasure to meet with you today. I must say that even though Ghana has done well with the female attorneys there is much more that needs to be done. I applaud the initiative of ABWA, sisterhood in hopes of advancement is the way to go. I can proudly say that my office is now a nest for women attorneys in Ghana and as such my office and I are ready to collaborate with ABWA in pursuing their goals.’
The tour ended with notes of appreciation from ABWA to GhIIA.org for their support.
Mr. Cherk Klutse of the institute reiterated the institute’s pride that ABWA had chosen Ghana and expressed hope for further collaboration with ABWA for the institutes Diaspora and Internal Law programs.
