The Ghana Law Society (GLS) has been launched with the goal of improving access to justice and strengthening the legal profession. The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, launched the Society at its maiden Annual Bar Conference in Accra. The conference brought together members of the legal profession, the Judiciary, Parliament, government officials, and other stakeholders. The theme of the conference was "Legal reforms — the place of the Ghanaian lawyer."
The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, emphasized the importance of the legal profession in Ghana's development. He described lawyers as "architects of the Republic" and stressed their responsibility to contribute to constitutional development, human rights, and public administration. Bagbin noted that the country is engaged in constitutional and institutional reforms, and the legal profession has a crucial role to play in this process.
The Chief of Staff, Dr Julius Debrah, highlighted the economic implications of legal reform. He stated that the effectiveness of the legal system affects investment, business, and economic activity. Dr Debrah noted that efficient laws can reduce risk, protect rights, and provide businesses with the certainty required to grow. The government has embarked on several reforms, including the Legal Education Act, 2026, and the constitutional review process.
The Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Dr Dominic Ayine, emphasized the importance of lawyers' involvement in the legal reform agenda. He urged lawyers to contribute to legislative drafting, the reform of state contracts, and access to justice. Dr Ayine also stressed the need for professional independence, stating that lawyers' associations should maintain their independence from political parties and the state.
The President of the GLS, Rockson-Nelson Etse Kwami Dafeamekpor, identified the concentration of lawyers in urban centers as a major challenge. He noted that Ghana has fewer than 8,000 lawyers, with over 72% practicing in Accra, Kumasi, and Tema. This has left many districts without law firms, forcing citizens to travel long distances for basic legal services.
To address this challenge, Dafeamekpor announced a proposed 12-month structured national service program for newly qualified lawyers. The program, to be implemented in partnership with the National Service Secretariat, will post fresh lawyers to district assemblies, Legal Aid offices, and other justice delivery institutions. The GLS also plans to pursue reforms in legal education, national service, and mandatory pro bono work.
The Ghana Law Society aims to make the legal profession more responsive to citizens' needs and the changing demands of the country. The Society's reforms are intended to ensure that lawyers are trained, posted, and made available to citizens in a more equitable and effective manner. The launch of the GLS marks a significant step towards strengthening the legal profession and improving access to justice in Ghana.
Key points
- The Ghana Law Society aims to improve access to justice and strengthen the legal profession.
- The concentration of lawyers in urban centers is a major challenge, with over 72% of lawyers practicing in Accra, Kumasi, and Tema.
- The GLS plans to implement a 12-month national service program for newly qualified lawyers to address the shortage of lawyers in rural areas.
