Education
After graduating from secondary school in 1968, Bartels was admitted to the University of Ghana, where he studied law.
After graduating from secondary school in 1968, Bartels was admitted to the University of Ghana, where he studied law.
After obtaining his bachelor"s degree in 1971, Bartels continued his studies at the Ghana School of Law in order to become a professional lawyer In 1979, Bartels first contested for a seat in the Parliament of Ghana, but was defeated by a People"s National Party candidate. In 1992, Bartels again stood for election in Agona West constituency, but withdrew after his party boycotted the 1992 election due to alleged electoral fraud.
In 1996, Bartels was elected Member of Parliament for the Ablekuma North constituency.
He subsequently became Minister in charge of Private Sector and Parenting Stress Index (2005-2006), Minister of Information & National Orientation (2006-2007), and Minister of the Interior (2007-2008). Bartels was fired from the cabinet by President John Kufuor in 2008, allegedly due to his involvement in the stealing of forty-two parcels of cocaine which were confiscated by the police.