Parliament has passed the Legal Education Reform Bill, aimed at promoting and expanding legal education training in Ghana.
The Bill, when assented to by the President, will empower accredited university Faculties of Law to train legal professionals and administer a common bar examination.
Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga commended both sides of the House for their contributions, describing the legislation as a holistic framework for legal reform.
He noted that the enactment fulfills a promise made by the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) while in opposition.
However, Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin argued that the passage of the Bill is only one of many promises yet to be fulfilled, citing the non-establishment of the Women’s Development Bank and the “One Job, Three Shifts” initiative.
The Legal Education Reform Bill was laid before the House on October 24, 2025, by Mr Dominic Ayine, the Minister of Justice and Attorney General.
Presenting the explanatory memoranda and motion, Mr Ayine said the legislation seeks to enhance access to legal education and break the monopoly of the Ghana School of Law as the sole institution mandated to train lawyers.
Mr Ayariga explained that the Bill provides for the establishment of a National Council for Legal Education, which will accredit Law Faculties and supervise a national bar examination.
He stressed that the reforms would ensure a fair and equitable platform for qualified persons to enter the legal profession, thereby widening opportunities for aspiring lawyers across the country.
Members from both the Majority and Minority Caucuses welcomed the expansion of access to legal education but cautioned that standards must not be compromised.
They emphasised that while reforms are necessary to democratise legal education, mechanisms must be put in place to safeguard the integrity and quality of the profession.
The adoption of the Committee’s report marks a significant step towards reshaping the landscape of legal education in Ghana, with Parliament signaling its commitment to reforms that balance accessibility with professional excellence.
GNA