Scrapping Ghana School of Law would be a costly error – Ansa-Asare warns

Former Director of the Ghana School of Law, Kwaku Ansa-Asare, has issued a strong warning against proposals to scrap the institution, describing such a move as a “costly error” that would be deeply regrettable for the nation.

His remarks follow the passage of the Legal Education Bill, a new law that introduces significant reforms by allowing accredited universities to provide professional legal education and training. The development has sparked a heated debate regarding the future relevance of the Ghana School of Law.

Speaking on Citi Eyewitness News on March 26, Mr. Ansa-Asare emphasized the institution’s historical significance, characterizing it as a symbol of national pride and a cornerstone of Ghana’s legal system. He noted that the school has been instrumental in producing generations of Ghanaian lawyers and has contributed to the development of the legal profession across the wider region.

“For decades, the Ghana School of Law has been a source of pride. It was the first institution in Sub-Saharan Africa dedicated to professional legal training, and that legacy must be preserved,” he stated.

He cautioned that eliminating the institution would undermine a vital part of the country’s legal heritage. “It should never be abolished. Doing so would be a serious and unfortunate mistake,” he emphasized.

The former director clarified that while the new reforms have ended the school’s monopoly on legal training, its core mandate remains unchanged. He explained that the institution will continue to serve as a key center for professional legal education despite the expanded access now available through other accredited universities.

“The Ghana School of Law will continue to serve as a centre for professional legal training. What has changed is not its role, but the exclusivity it once held,” he added.