Elisabeth Addai, a practising nurse in Ghana, has achieved a remarkable milestone by becoming a lawyer while still working in her medical profession. She was among 1,568 candidates formally admitted to the Ghana Bar on October 9, 2026, at a ceremony held in Accra. This event marked the 63rd Call to the Bar ceremony, which recorded the highest number of new lawyers admitted in the history of the ceremony.
The number of candidates called to the Bar in 2026 significantly surpassed the 824 candidates called in 2025, representing a near doubling of numbers. This substantial increase marks a notable growth in the pipeline of newly qualified lawyers entering Ghana's legal profession in a single year. Addai's achievement is particularly noteworthy, as she maintained her nursing career throughout her legal studies.
Combining nursing and legal studies is extremely demanding, requiring technical skill, emotional endurance, and round-the-clock dedication to patient care, as well as rigorous coursework and professional preparation at the Ghana School of Law. Addai's ability to balance both professions has drawn attention and inspired many Ghanaians who juggle full-time work with further studies or side ventures in pursuit of professional growth.
Addai's dual qualification raises practical possibilities for her future career, particularly in areas where healthcare and law intersect, such as medical negligence cases, healthcare regulation, or patient rights. However, her specific career direction after being called to the Bar has not been disclosed. Being called to the Bar in Ghana is the formal point at which a trained law graduate is admitted to practise as a lawyer.
Addai was not the only notable name at this year's ceremony. Actress and media personality Naa Ashorkor was also called to the Bar after a 14-year journey, crediting her faith, support system, and determination for seeing her through to the milestone. Her story, like Addai's, drew congratulations from fans and colleagues.
The record cohort of 1,568 candidates called to the Bar in 2026 has not been followed by any statements from Ghana's legal and health authorities regarding their plans or future steps. No timeline for Addai's next career steps has been given in the available reporting.
Elisabeth Addai's achievement serves as proof that it is possible to pursue multiple demanding professions simultaneously. Her story has struck a chord with many Ghanaians who juggle multiple responsibilities and pursue professional growth.
Key points
- A record 1,568 people were called to the Ghana Bar in Accra on October 9, 2026.
- Elisabeth Addai is a practising nurse who has become a lawyer while still working in her medical profession.
- The number of candidates called to the Bar in 2026 nearly doubled from 824 in 2025.
