African American Lawyers spent a week in Ghana celebrating African Heritage

The Year of Return agenda, instituted to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the trans-Atlantic slave trade, is swiftly gaining traction in the diaspora as intended.

Visiting Ghana to know more about their roots, was Boris Kodjo, Michael Jai White, Anthony Anderson, Diggy Simmons and many others.

Recently, joining the group of diasporans to learn about their roots, is the Association of Black Woman Attorneys (ABWA), New York.

A large delegation of ABWA was on a week-long retreat themed ‘Reinforcing Bonds and Connecting with the Diaspora.’ But, the visit was rendered more significant as it coincided with the ‘Year of Return’ celebrations.

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The African-American lawyers, hosted by the Institute of International Affairs, spent their week in Ghana celebrating African Heritage.

The team visited the two historical slave castles in Cape Coast and Elmina and also paid a courtesy call on Ghana’s Attorney-General, Gloria Akuffo.  

ABWA in Ghana
Madam Gloria Akuffo, Attorney General of Ghana in a group photo with members of ABWA New York and senior officials of the Ministry of Justice – Ghana

“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,” president of ABWA, Tanya Blocker said. 

She noted 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 and her team was excited to bond and build connections with these attorneys.

ABWA in Ghana
Madam Gloria Akuffo, Attorney-General of Ghana in a group photo with members of ABWA New York and senior officials of the Ministry of Justice – Ghana

Ghana’s Attorney-General, Gloria Akuffo, admitted though Ghana had made strides with the female attorneys there was much more that needs to be done.

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“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,” she added.

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 chose Ghana and expressed hope for further collaboration with ABWA for the institute’s Diaspora and Internal Law programmes.

Source: myjoyonline.com