Awuradwoa A. Nkrumah, honoured as Best Student in Law Practice Management and Legal Accountancy for the 2025/2026 academic year, revealed how a pivotal conversation with her mentor redirected her career from forensic science to law.
Ms Nkrumah was among 1,568 new lawyers admitted to the Ghana Bar by the General Legal Council at a ceremony held at the International Central Gospel Church in Teshie, Accra.
Speaking to Bernard Avle on Channel One TV’s The Point of View on Wednesday, October 14, she said she initially wanted to become a forensic scientist after studying psychology at the University of Ghana, Legon. She later obtained an LLB from Central University.
“I wanted to be a forensic scientist. The pathway for me at the time was to read psychology, then do a master’s in forensic psychology and continue from there,” she said.
Her interest in law developed during her second year at the University of Ghana, following a conversation with her mentor, a lawyer, which introduced her to the role of legislation in shaping people’s lives and national development.
“That particular conversation gave me an insight into law, and I realised I did like it,” she said.
Although she had admired the legal profession from childhood because of its prestige, Ms Nkrumah said her interests changed as she grew older and explored other career options. She added that her psychology background remained valuable in helping her understand human behaviour and interpersonal relationships.
Despite never having studied accounting before entering the Ghana School of Law, she emerged as the best student in Law Practice Management and Legal Accountancy for the 2025/2026 academic year.
Reflecting on her early experiences as a newly qualified lawyer, Ms Nkrumah said she had begun accompanying senior lawyers to court to observe proceedings and gain practical experience.
“It’s exciting; I’ve had the opportunity to go with my seniors to court. I was in court on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday for different cases,” she said.
She added that she hoped to specialise in criminal law as she begins her legal career.
