GBA YOUNG LAWYERS' FORUM PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE
J.B. AFRIFA
EMPOWERING YOUNG LAWYERS, STRENGTHENING OUR BAR.
“Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek”
- Barack Obama
ABOUT JB
A lawyer who
knows the struggle.
A dynamic and driven legal professional committed to representing the voice, interests, and advocacy of young lawyers within the Ghana Bar Association.
With several years of dedicated service in leadership and advocacy, JB has firsthand insight into the real challenges young lawyers face, from fair remuneration and professional development to career opportunities beyond traditional practice.
His background in legal reform advocacy and bar relations equips him to lead the initiatives our generation of lawyers urgently needs.
ABOUT JB
A LEADER TO SERVE
My experience in leadership, advocacy, and legal reform has equipped me with the skills and perspective to champion initiatives that promote professional growth, strengthen relationships within the Bar, and develop innovative opportunities for the career advancement and financial well-being of young lawyers.
I am seeking the office of President of the Young Lawyers’ Forum because I am deeply committed to addressing the challenges confronting young lawyers today. Over the past six years, I have served in various leadership and advocacy roles dedicated to advancing the interests of my peers. As a practicing lawyer and an active member of the GBA.
Gained firsthand insight into critical issues such as fair remuneration, continuous professional development, and the need to expand career opportunities beyond traditional legal practice. My goal is to build a stronger, more empowered community of young lawyers equipped to thrive in an evolving legal landscape.
Activies
12th March, 2026
Dennislaw webinar on AI
15th May, 2026
Young lawyers network with Media General
5th June, 2026
Young lawyers network with East legion executives club
20th June, 2026
Policy Launch and vision dialogue
Topic: Policy Launnch and Dialogue for the Young Lawyers’ Forum
Venue: Movenpick Ambassador Hotel, Accra @ 2pm
The Blueprint
Policies to
Stay Strong Together
JB Afrifa understands the unique challenges young lawyers in Ghana face. With a practical blueprint for progress, he is committed to providing actionable solutions that address our needs. His vision for the Young Lawyers Forum focuses on amplifying our voices, expanding opportunities, and building a stronger professional community. JB’s candidacy represents not just promises but a clear path toward real change for young lawyers in Ghana, and these collation of policies are specific to this task.
vision
Three commitments.
One stronger bar.
Mentorship & Professional Growth
Structured mentorship programs connecting young lawyers with seasoned professionals, guiding career development with ongoing, real support.
01
Career Advancement
Advocating for practical experience opportunities, workshops, networking events, and leadership pipelines that move careers forward, not sideways.
02
Inclusive Community
Fostering open dialogue and active participation from all members, a community where every voice shapes the direction of our profession.
03
ABOUT JB
OUR BLUEPRINT FOR AN EMPOWERED YOUNG LAWYERS' FORUM
As young lawyers, we are the architects of the future, navigating a path that requires both resilience and purpose.
I encourage you to stay committed to the journey, no matter how challenging. In very little time, we will be sharing the progressive policies that have been crafted, thoughtfully tailored to address our unique needs and concerns.
Together, we can shape a future that supports and empowers us all. Stay tuned for my proposition for the change we deserve as young lawyers.
Innovate, Elevate, Advocate
POLICY HIGHLIGHTS
PREAMBLE
These policy proposals are structured to holistically address the professional, economic, and social needs of young lawyers, while strengthening their role within the Ghana Bar Association. They draw from extensive engagements with young lawyers, stakeholders within the profession, and comparative best practices from leading bar associations.
Policy Platform
Four pillars.
Real solutions.
Each policy addresses a specific challenge young lawyers face. No generalities only actionable commitments.
POLICY NO. 1: ACCESS TO TRAINING AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
BRIDGING THE KNOWLEDGE GAP: THE TOP-DOWN & BOTTOM-UP APPROACH
This policy aims to expose young lawyers to the skills necessary for excellence in modern legal practice, build capacity for the international market and to learn from experienced practitioners.
Policy Areas:
- Coaching and Mentorship Programmes
Institutionalise structured mentorship involving both the Bar and the Bench to guide career development.
- Tailored Continuing Legal Education (CLE)
Design practical, relevant, and specialised CLE programmes aligned with evolving areas of practice.
- AI and Technology Law Initiative
Introduce practical training, certification programmes, and reverse mentorship initiatives led by tech-savvy young lawyers to bridge the digital skills gap
- Local and International Exchange/Secondment Programmes
Facilitate opportunities for cross-jurisdictional exposure and professional development through partnerships with foreign bar associations, law firms, and institutions.
Facilitate discussions and training on international legal practice, regional trade frameworks, cross-border transactions, and emerging opportunities arising from international economic cooperation.
- YLF Publications
Institutionalise the publication of a Quarterly Journal to encourage scholarly writing among young lawyers on topical legal issues and emerging areas. Also, an Annual Report to promote transparent leadership and professional assessment of the forum.
POLICY NO. 2: VEHICLE OWNERSHIP, ADVANCED HEALTH SERVICES
DRIVE IN HEALTH & WEALTH
This policy prioritises the necessity of ease of transport for young lawyers and the general welfare of young lawyers.
Policy Areas:
- Basic Health Insurance Scheme
Facilitate accessible and affordable health insurance coverage for members.
- Vehicle Acquisition Scheme
Develop structured schemes to support access to vehicles on flexible and affordable terms.
- Young Lawyers Mental Health & Well-Being Initiative
Establish structured mental health support systems, including confidential counselling services, wellness programmes, periodic well-being surveys, and awareness campaigns to promote a healthier professional culture and reduce burnout within the profession.
POLICY NO. 3: STANDARDIZED COMPENSATION SCALE FOR YOUNG LAWYERS
THE COMPENSATION SCALE
This policy seeks to propose and promote a remuneration scale that encourages sustainable working conditions for young lawyers across both private practice and public service.
Policy Areas:
- Standardised Minimum Compensation Framework
Establish a structured guide covering base salary, incentives, bonuses, and periodic salary adjustments. This framework will be developed and implemented through a collaborative Heads of Chambers and Legal Departments Forum and will operate akin to the Bar Scale of Fees as a guiding instrument to encourage compliance and best practice across the profession
- Work-Life Balance and Non-Monetary Benefits
Promote policies that ensure reasonable working hours, leave structures, flexible work arrangements where practicable, and access to non-monetary benefits that enhance well-being and productivity.
- Expansion into Alternative Practice Areas
Create awareness and structured pathways for young lawyers to explore opportunities within legal departments, local government, parliamentary service, international organisations, regulatory bodies, arbitration and ADR practice, and judicial research assistantships within the Superior Courts.
periodic well-being surveys, and awareness campaigns to promote a healthier professional culture and reduce burnout within the profession.
POLICY NO. 4: ADVANCING THE DISCOURSE OF DIVERSITY & INCLUSION
THE COMPENSATION SCALE
This policy seeks to propose and promote a remuneration scale that encourages sustainable working conditions for young lawyers across both private practice and public service.
Policy Areas:
- Standardised Minimum Compensation Framework
Establish a structured guide covering base salary, incentives, bonuses, and periodic salary adjustments. This framework will be developed and implemented through a collaborative Heads of Chambers and Legal Departments Forum and will operate akin to the Bar Scale of Fees as a guiding instrument to encourage compliance and best practice across the profession
- Work-Life Balance and Non-Monetary Benefits
Promote policies that ensure reasonable working hours, leave structures, flexible work arrangements where practicable, and access to non-monetary benefits that enhance well-being and productivity.
- Expansion into Alternative Practice Areas
Create awareness and structured pathways for young lawyers to explore opportunities within legal departments, local government, parliamentary service, international organisations, regulatory bodies, arbitration and ADR practice, and judicial research assistantships within the Superior Courts.
periodic well-being surveys, and awareness campaigns to promote a healthier professional culture and reduce burnout within the profession.
CONCLUSION
BRIDGING THE KNOWLEDGE GAP: THE TOP-DOWN & BOTTOM-UP APPROACH
The Gallery
A Strengthened Bar
J.B. Afrifa, Aspiring President of the Young Lawyers’ Forum, expresses sincere appreciation to all Young Lawyers, Senior Lawyers, friends, and Media General for the tremendous support and participation in the Inter-Professional Football Engagement held on Friday, 15th May 2026.
This is only one of many initiatives aimed at bringing young lawyers together and fostering meaningful engagement with other professionals. Your continued support and participation in upcoming activities will be greatly appreciated.
News
LATEST NEWS & PRESS & EVENTS
Stay updated with the latest developments in our journey to build a stronger GBA Young Lawyers’ Forum.
New Wig, New Journey!
Webinar For Newly Called Lawyers 2025 •
3 hr watch
Spotlight on Afrifa
Lawverse Magazine • 1 min read
Candidacy for YLF President Discussion
X Broadcasts • 2 hr 25 min watch
VOTE J.B. AFRIFA
The Young Lawyers’ Forum has the potential to become a stronger platform for advocacy, professional development, and meaningful opportunities for every young lawyer. Achieving this vision requires leadership that listens, acts, and delivers results.
I am committed to championing the interests of young lawyers, advancing practical solutions to our challenges, and creating pathways for growth and success. I humbly ask for your support and your vote so that, together, we can build a more empowered, connected, and prosperous future for young lawyers.
