Ghana to celebrate legal puritan Tsatsu Tsikata’s 50-yr journey at the Bar

A Golden Jubilee for a Legal Icon

Ghana’s legal fraternity, academia, business leaders, governance experts, and the general public are poised to honour one of the country’s most revered legal minds—Tsatsu Tsikata—as he marks 50 years of distinguished service at the Ghana Bar. The celebration, themed “Celebrating 50 Years of Tsatsu Tsikata at the Ghana Bar – 1975 to 2025,” will take place over three days, from August 6 to August 8, 2025, at the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC).

Each evening’s session, held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., will explore a unique aspect of Tsikata’s life: as a lawyer, academic, statesman, and citizen.

Day 1: The Lawyer – Advocacy, Adversity, and Triumph

The celebration kicks off on Tuesday, August 6, with a deep dive into Tsatsu Tsikata’s groundbreaking legal career. From his days arguing high-stakes cases before Ghana’s courts and military tribunals, to his stewardship in corporate legal circles and his personal journey through political adversity—including a period of incarceration—Tsikata’s legal legacy is as profound as it is resilient.

Moderated by Tony Lithur and Thaddeus Sory, both respected lawyers and former students of Tsikata, the evening will feature key insights from:

• Goosie Tanoh, Presidential Adviser on the 24-Hour Economy
• Nana Appia Kyei, Director at Kosmos Energy Ghana

Both speakers will recount their collaboration with Tsikata during his pivotal tenure as CEO of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC). The session will be chaired by Justice Emile Short, Ghana’s first Commissioner for Human Rights and Administrative Justice and a former UN Tribunal Judge.

Day 2: The Academic – Nurturing Legal Minds

On Wednesday, August 7, focus will shift to Tsikata’s formidable academic career. A beloved and highly respected lecturer at the University of Ghana Law School, Tsikata’s role in shaping Ghana’s legal minds over the decades is legendary.

Speakers will include former students who have gone on to hold significant roles across the continent:

• Ambassador Kwesi Quartey, former AU Deputy Chair
• Professor Martin Tsamenyi, international maritime law expert
• Christopher Quaye, legal scholar

The evening will culminate in a public lecture by Professor Raymond Atuguba, outgoing Dean of the University of Ghana Law School, titled: “The Challenges of Legal Education in Ghana.” The event will be chaired by Rt. Hon. Edward Doe Adjaho, former Speaker of Parliament and a former student of Tsikata.

Day 3: The Statesman – A Life Committed to Nation-Building

The final evening on Thursday, August 8, will explore Tsikata’s national influence and political engagement, especially his longstanding role in the National Democratic Congress (NDC). The event will examine how his deep understanding of law has influenced policy, national discourse, and governance.

Speakers include:

• Mrs. Betty Mould-Iddrisu, former Attorney General
• Kyeretwie Opoku, legal strategist and former GNPC colleague

In a special moment of the evening, Tsatsu Tsikata himself will deliver personal reflections on his journey. The session will be chaired by Professor Akilagpa Sawyerr, former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana, and will close with remarks that underline the deep legacy Tsikata leaves behind.

A Celebration for All – Nationwide Tributes Welcomed

To enable wide participation, organizers have launched a dedicated digital platform where members of the public can submit tributes, congratulatory messages, and personal stories in celebration of Tsikata’s golden jubilee. This interactive forum is expected to feature messages from students, colleagues, and admirers from Ghana and the diaspora.

A Living Legacy

From defending constitutional rights to mentoring generations of lawyers, Tsatsu Tsikata’s name is etched in the annals of Ghana’s legal and intellectual history. As the country comes together to celebrate his 50-year journey, this milestone event promises not only to reflect on the remarkable achievements of one man, but also to inspire future generations of legal thinkers, justice advocates, and nation builders.

Tsatsu Tsikata at 50 years at the Bar: A celebration of intellect, resilience, and service to Ghana.