Parliament adopts report on legal education reforms to expand access

Parliament has adopted the report of the Constitution and Legal Affairs Committee on reforms aimed at expanding legal education and strengthening awareness and training for legal professionals in the country.

The Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Dominic Ayine, laid the Legal Education Reform Bill before the House on October 24, 2025.

Presenting the explanatory memorandum and motion at the plenary, Mr Ayine said the proposed legislation is intended to improve access to legal education and end the monopoly of the Ghana School of Law as the only institution authorised to train lawyers.

Contributing to the debate ahead of the adoption of the Committee’s report, the Majority Leader and Member of Parliament for Bawku Central, Mahama Ayariga, explained that the Bill provides for the establishment of a National Council for Legal Education.

According to him, the Council would be responsible for accrediting university law faculties to train lawyers, as well as overseeing a national bar examination.

Mr Ayariga emphasised that the proposed reforms would create a fair and inclusive pathway for qualified individuals to enter the legal profession, thereby expanding opportunities for aspiring lawyers nationwide.

Members from both the Majority and Minority Caucuses welcomed the move to broaden access to legal education but cautioned against any compromise in professional standards.

They stressed that while the reforms are necessary to democratise legal education, adequate safeguards must be put in place to protect the integrity and quality of the legal profession.

The adoption of the Committee’s report marks a major step towards reshaping legal education in Ghana, with Parliament demonstrating its commitment to reforms that balance wider access with professional excellence.