Parliament Approves Reforms to Expand Legal Education and Training in Ghana

Parliament has approved the report of the Constitution and Legal Affairs Committee aimed at expanding legal education and enhancing training and awareness for legal professionals in Ghana.

The Legal Education Reform Bill, introduced to Parliament by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General Dominic Ayine on October 24, 2025, seeks to broaden access to legal training and break the Ghana School of Law’s monopoly as the sole institution mandated to educate lawyers.

Presenting the explanatory memorandum and motion at the plenary, Mr Ayine highlighted that the legislation is designed to create a more inclusive framework for training legal professionals across the country.

Majority Leader and Bawku Central MP, Mahama Ayariga, explained that the Bill provides for the establishment of a National Council for Legal Education. The Council will be responsible for accrediting university law faculties and overseeing the national bar examination.

Mr Ayariga emphasised that the reforms will create a fair and equitable platform for qualified candidates, thereby expanding opportunities for aspiring lawyers nationwide.

Members of both the Majority and Minority welcomed the expansion but stressed that standards must not be compromised. They called for mechanisms to safeguard the profession’s integrity and maintain high-quality legal training.

The adoption of the Committee’s report marks a key milestone in reshaping Ghana’s legal education landscape, signalling Parliament’s commitment to reforms that balance accessibility with professional excellence.