
Joyce Bamford-Addo
Introduction
About
JOYCE BAMFORD-ADDO
Joyce Adeline Bamford-Addo, born in 26 March 1937 to an English father and a Ghanaian mother from Aburi, had an illustrious career in law and judiciary, leaving a significant mark in Ghanaian legal history. Her educational journey began at St. Mary's Boarding School and Our Lady of Apostles (OLA) Boarding School in Cape Coast for her basic education, followed by her secondary education at Holy Child School, also in Cape Coast.
After completing her secondary education, Bamford-Addo pursued legal training in the United Kingdom. She trained under the apprenticeship system at the Inner Temple and was called to the English Bar in 1961. She returned to Ghana after a year and was called to the Ghana Bar in 1962.
Bamford-Addo's career in the legal profession flourished rapidly. She started as an Assistant State Attorney in 1963 and steadily rose through the ranks, serving as State Attorney, Senior State Attorney, and later as Principal State Attorney. Her exemplary work ethic and legal acumen led to her appointment as Chief State Attorney in 1973.
In 1976, Bamford-Addo was appointed Director of Public Prosecutions, a position she held for a decade, showcasing her expertise in criminal law and prosecution. Her remarkable contributions to the legal field culminated in her appointment as a Supreme Court Judge in 1991, making her the first female Justice of the Supreme Court of Ghana.
Throughout her tenure as a Supreme Court Judge, Bamford-Addo demonstrated unwavering commitment to upholding justice and the rule of law. She also actively participated in various capacities, serving as the Second Deputy Speaker of Ghana's Consultative Assembly during the late Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC) era, contributing to the drafting of the 1992 constitution.
In 2009, following the presidential and parliamentary elections, Bamford-Addo made history by becoming the first female Speaker of the Parliament of Ghana, a position she held until 2013. Her tenure as Speaker was marked by integrity, fairness, and dedication to parliamentary duties.
Bamford-Addo's contributions extended beyond her roles in law and politics. She actively advocated for women's rights and empowerment, serving as a representative from Ghana at several international conferences on women's issues. Her efforts in this regard earned her recognition, including the prestigious "Best Woman of the Year" award by the American Biographical Institute in 2000.
In acknowledgment of her outstanding service to Ghana, Bamford-Addo was honored with the Companion of the Order of the Volta, the highest award in the Order of Volta, by President John Evans Atta Mills in October 2011. Throughout her career, she remained a devout Christian, actively participating in Roman Catholic worship.
Joyce Adeline Bamford-Addo's legacy as a trailblazer in law, politics, and women's empowerment continues to inspire generations, cementing her position as a role model and pacesetter in Ghanaian society.
Date of Birth: March 26, 1937
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