Be honest when 'juicy' manifesto promises become impossible to deliver – GBA President

President of the Ghana Bar Association (GBA), Efua Ghartey, has expressed her thoughts on how politics over the years has affected the legal system in the country.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with GhanaWeb during the 2026 Law Week celebration, themed "Corporate Governance Rebooted: From Rules to Transformation," Efua Ghartey challenged Ghana’s political class to be honest with citizens when campaign promises become impractical to implement after assuming office.

According to her, some manifesto promises are made without the benefit of practical governance experience, making them difficult to execute.

A media space that cannot protect its women cannot say it is democratic – GBA President Efua Ghartey

She explained that almost all political parties often include attractive promises in their manifestos that later prove unrealistic once they assume power.

"Some of the people you find there do not have the benefit of the experience of those who have gone through something similar. It sounds like a very juicy promise, but when it comes to carrying it through, you have challenges," she said.

Efua Ghartey also questioned the appointment of some public officials, warning against rewarding political loyalty with positions that require technical competence.

Joe Ghartey’s wife declares bid for Ghana Bar Association presidency

"It shouldn't be a thank-you token for the work that you put into getting a political party into power. Does the person have the correct credentials to run the place? You can put such a person elsewhere, but not in places that are pivotal," she stated.

She further urged governments to have the courage to review campaign promises when realities on the ground change instead of pursuing policies that may no longer be in the country's best interest.

"We should be truthful to ourselves and candid enough to say this is what we thought we could do when we were putting the manifesto together. However, having taken office, we want to think differently or tweak what we initially put together," she said.

"People don't want to do that. So that's how we find ourselves in this situation. I pray for boldness," she added.

JHM/BAI

From Wontumi to Miracles: NPP national executive hopefuls under criminal investigations