The legal profession in Ghana is highly esteemed; and two new lawyers, Kenneth Atsu Dogbey and Martin Waana-Ang, have recently been called to the Ghana Bar as a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Ghana.
Martin Waana-Ang, the best-graduating student in his class, earned the prestigious Mensah Sarbah Memorial Award. This article celebrates their remarkable achievements and the impact they are poised to make to the legal profession and Ghana legal system.
The significance of being called to the Ghana Bar
Being called to the Ghana Bar is a significant honour for aspiring lawyers, signifying years of rigorous training and embodying ethical standards. For Kenneth Atsu Dogbey and Martin Waana-Ang, it represents the fulfilment of a long-held dream.
The annual Call to the Bar ceremony blends tradition with celebration, symbolising the readiness of new lawyers to contribute to society and to uphold the rule of law. Joining this distinguished fraternity is a recognition of their dedication and an invitation to make a significant impact to the Ghana legal system and the world at large.
Kenneth Atsu Dogbey: A journey of dedication and aspiration
Kenneth Atsu Dogbey’s journey to the bar is one of perseverance, marked by a deep commitment to the pursuit of legal excellence. Right from the onset at a very young age, Atsu exhibited a keen interest in law, inspired by a desire to use his skills to promote justice and advocate for the marginalised. His journey was not without challenges, but it was his unwavering resolve that propelled him to succeed.
Throughout his legal education, Atsu was known for his strong work ethics, keen intellect and passion for learning. He demonstrated a remarkable ability to grasp complex legal principles and apply them to real-world scenarios, earning the respect of his peers and lecturers alike.
Indeed, Atsu’s achievements in his legal journey are phenomenal and remarkable. He graduated with First Class Honours from the University of Cape Coast (UCC) Faculty of Law. He was also the Overall Best Student in the entrance examination for admission to the Ghana School of Law.
His journey to becoming a lawyer involved not only academic rigour, but also practical experiences that shaped his understanding of the legal system in Ghana. Atsu served as the President of the Law Students’ Union at the UCC Faculty of Law.
He was also the Chief Justice of the Ghana School of Law, where through his innovative leadership, the first online law reporting for decisions of the SRC Supreme Court was institutionalised.
Atu’s internship experiences and volunteer work with various law firms and courts also allowed him to appreciate the critical role that lawyers play in ensuring access to justice for all. His call to the bar is more than just a personal accomplishment; it is a reflection of his dedication to the legal profession and his readiness to make a meaningful contribution.
As he embarks on his career, Atsu aims to specialise in areas of law where he can effect significant change; such as human rights law, criminal justice and constitutional law.
He aspires to become a voice for the voiceless and a defender of the underprivileged using his legal expertise to challenge injustices and advocate for reforms that strengthen Ghana’s legal system.
Martin Waana-Ang: A story of excellence and recognition
While every newly-called lawyer has a story worth celebrating, Martin Waana-Ang’s journey to the Ghana Bar is particularly distinguished. As the best-graduating student in his class, he achieved what many aspire to, but few attain.
His outstanding academic performance and leadership qualities earned him the revered Mensah Sarbah Award, a recognition bestowed upon the student with the best all-round performance for the Professional Law Course at the Ghana School of Law.
This award, named after John Mensah Sarbah – a pioneer of legal education and a champion of social justice in Ghana, is a testament to Martin’s remarkable legal acumen and his potential to shape the future of law in the country.
Martin’s journey was one of discipline, focus, consistency, dedication and an unrelenting quest for excellence. From his early days at the Faculty of Law, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, he consistently demonstrated a commitment to not only understanding legal doctrines but also engaging with broader societal issues through the uptake of various leadership positions.
Martin served as the President of the Law Students’ Union at the Faculty of Law as well as the Country Director for the Federation of African Law Students, where he dedicated his time to serving the interest of the students.
While at the faculty, Martin was also, actively involved in moot court competitions, legal research and various extracurricular activities that enriched his legal education.
His peers and mentors often remarked on his ability to think critically, communicate effectively and advocate persuasively – skills that are essential for any successful lawyer.
Martin graduated top of his class with First Class Honours, earning him the valedictorian for the Faculty of Law and the highest cumulative weighted average since the inception of the faculty.
From there, he proceeded to the Ghana School of Law to pursue the Professional Law Course. Martin was the 2nd overall best student in the entrance examination for admission to the Ghana School of Law.
Finally, Martin was crowned with the Overall Best Performing Student at the Ghana School of Law, earning him the most coveted John Mensah Sarbah Memorial Prize. He also won the overall Best Student in Civil Procedure.
The Mensah Sarbah Award is not merely an acknowledgement of academic excellence; it is also a call to uphold the values of integrity, service and leadership that John Mensah Sarbah epitomised.
For Martin, receiving this award is both an honour and a responsibility. It serves as a reminder of the need to use his talents to contribute to the advancement of the legal profession and the betterment of society.
He has expressed a strong interest in pursuing a career in litigation, particularly in the field of complex commercial litigation, digital trade and financial technologies, intellectual property law, renewable energy transition and public interest law, where he can leverage his skills to address pressing legal and social issues.
He aspires to be at the forefront of legal advocacy, championing causes that promote human rights, social justice and the rule of law.
The Mensah Sarbah Award: Honouring a legacy of legal excellence
The Mensah Sarbah Award is one of the most prestigious recognitions at the Ghana School of Law. Named after John Mensah Sarbah, a prominent lawyer, nationalist and social reformer, the award celebrates academic distinction and embodies a legacy of service to society.
Sarbah, who was the first native of Ghana to be called to the bar in 1887, dedicated his life to advocating for educational and legal reforms in the Gold Coast. His contributions to legal scholarship and social justice have had a lasting impact on Ghana’s legal system.
By receiving the Mensah Sarbah Award, Martin Waana-Ang joins a distinguished list of legal luminaries who have gone on to make significant contributions to the legal field.
The award serves as a source of inspiration, encouraging recipients to emulate Sarbah’s commitment to justice and societal progress. For Martin, this recognition is not just a personal achievement but also an affirmation of his potential to carry forward the ideals of the legal profession in Ghana.
Overcoming challenges: The personal stories behind the success
Kenneth Atsu Dogbey and Martin Waana-Ang faced numerous challenges on their journey to becoming lawyers. The path to the bar is riddled with obstacles, including a demanding academic workload and financial pressures.
Atsu had to balance his studies with other responsibilities, often making sacrifices to stay on top of his academic work.
Despite the odds, he persevered and found ways to excel. Martin felt constant pressure to maintain top-class performance, which motivated him but also caused stress. However, he approached every challenge with a growth mindset, viewing setbacks as opportunities to learn and improve.
Both lawyers are grateful for the support of their family, friends and mentors who encouraged them, believed in their potential and provided the moral and emotional support needed to overcome these hurdles.
Their stories remind us that success in the legal profession is not achieved alone; it often involves a network of supportive individuals who inspire and guide along the path to greatness.
Looking ahead: aspirations for the future
As new lawyers, Kenneth Atsu Dogbey and Martin Waana-Ang are determined to drive positive change through their legal careers. Atsu aims to make an indelible mark in the areas of court room advocacy and the business world.
He takes strong interest in litigation, as well as issues of digital trade and financial technologies. He aspires to use his knowledge to contribute meaningfully to the development of the Ghana legal system while assisting businesses meet all their legal needs.
Martin is also passionate about complex litigation, digital trade and financial technologies, intellectual property law, renewable energy transition and public interest law.
He aspires to use his knowledge and skills in the law to contribute to upholding the rule of law, defending rights—particularly intellectual property rights, assisting business growth and development, driving innovation and influencing government policy – both nationally and internationally.
His goal is to use the law to bring about social transformation, honouring the legacy of the Mensah Sarbah Award through his work.
Atsu and Martin have already demonstrated this through the numerous articles they have authored together in areas such as digital trade, financial technology regulation and constitutional law.
Impact on the legal community and beyond
The call to the bar for Kenneth Atsu Dogbey and Martin Waana-Ang represents a significant personal achievement and is also an inspiring moment for the entire legal community. Their stories resonate with other law students and young professionals who see in them the embodiment of hard work, perseverance and excellence.
Their impact extends beyond the legal community to society at large, where their future contributions as advocates and reformers will undoubtedly make a difference.
As they embark on their respective careers, Atsu and Martin bring with them fresh perspectives, a sense of duty and a readiness to tackle some of the most pressing legal issues facing Ghana today.
Their journeys serve as a reminder that the legal profession is not only about mastering the law, but also about making a meaningful impact in the lives of others.
Conclusion
The call to the bar of Atsu and Martin is a dream come true. It is a celebration of perseverance, dedication and excellence in the pursuit of legal education. Their achievements serve as an inspiring reminder of what can be achieved through hard work and a commitment to justice and service.
Together, Atsu and Martin represent the future of the legal profession in Ghana, dedicated to upholding the rule of law, promoting social justice and addressing the legal needs of the community. Their stories will continue to inspire aspiring lawyers to strive for greatness and embrace the noble calling of the law.
