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.

A highpoint of the visit was a mixer where the ABWA team bonded with a selection of female Ghanaian lawyers at a cocktail event.

Hosted by ABWA’s partners in Ghana, the Institute of International Affairs -ghiia.org, the event was held at the Labadi Beach Hotel with high profile attendees.

“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 Judge Machelle Sweeting of the New York City Civil.

The Honorable Okudzeto Ablakwah, MP and a Ranking member of the Committee on Foreign Affairs in Ghana’s Parliament, emphasized the significance of the event as a ‘SANKOFA’ welcome for the ABWA team.

He noted that this was as envisaged in the President’s vision for the ‘Year of Return’.

‘Ghana in the last few decades has rolled out many initiatives including PANAFEST and visa-free initiatives to spur a culture of return and belonging to Africa from the diaspora. The Year of Return continues in this mold and I am excited at tonight’s success and look forward to welcoming ABWA severally in the years to come’.



“It is a delight to see so many women attorneys gathered in one place and I believe your trip has been as impactful for you as you envisaged.”, said Sheila Minka Premo, Senior Managing Partner of Apex Lawconsult in her response.

“We are ever ready to collaborate with ABWA New York in furthering their agenda of lifting women up, so do not hesitate to reach out when you are next in Ghana.

The night ended with naming ceremony, coordinated by Madam Abigail Nti, administrative Executive at GhIIA.

This saw all members of the ABWA team being conferred with Ghanaian names, to mark their return home.