AG proposes scheme to make lawyers available to protect suspects’ rights at police stations

The Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Dr Dominic Ayine, has proposed the introduction of a duty-lawyer scheme that would make legal representation available to suspects at police stations and during their first appearances in court.

The proposal forms part of broader measures aimed at strengthening Ghana's legal aid system and ensuring that people who cannot afford lawyers are not denied access to justice.

According to Dr Ayine, the early stages of criminal proceedings are particularly important because decisions taken during police investigations and initial court appearances can have serious consequences for a suspect's liberty.

He therefore wants lawyers assigned to police stations and courts to provide timely legal assistance, particularly to suspects who lack the financial means to engage private counsel.

The Attorney General made the call in a speech delivered on his behalf at the launch of the Legal Aid Commission's 2026 Legal Aid Week at the Law Court Complex in Accra on Tuesday, October 13.

The celebration is being held under the theme, “Justice at Your Doorstep.”

Giving practical effect to constitutional rights

Dr Ayine explained that the proposed duty-lawyer arrangement would help give practical meaning to Article 14(2) of the 1992 Constitution, which requires arrested, restricted or detained persons to be informed immediately of the reasons for their arrest and their right to a lawyer of their choice.

He observed that suspects who are unable to obtain legal assistance during investigations may struggle to understand their rights or make informed decisions.

To address this, he urged the Legal Aid Commission to undertake regular reviews of cases involving persons in police and prison custody, particularly those who have remained in detention without legal representation.

He stressed that the protection of constitutional rights should not depend on a person's financial circumstances.

Expanding legal aid beyond regional capitals

Beyond the proposed duty-lawyer scheme, the Attorney General called for a more decentralised approach to the delivery of legal aid services.

He noted that people living outside major cities often face difficulties accessing lawyers and other forms of legal assistance.

Dr Ayine consequently urged the Commission to strengthen its presence at the district level and introduce regular mobile legal clinics in underserved communities.

Under the proposed arrangement, lawyers and other legal aid personnel would visit designated community locations, including markets, traditional council halls and community centres, on scheduled days to offer legal assistance.

He also disclosed plans to engage the Ghana Bar Association to encourage more lawyers to undertake pro bono work for individuals who cannot afford legal representation.

Additionally, he called on law faculties and the Ghana School of Law to establish supervised legal clinics while supporting the training of paralegals and community legal volunteers to assist people in rural communities.

Technology and ADR to improve access to justice

The Attorney General also identified technology and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) as important tools for improving access to legal services.

He proposed the establishment of a toll-free legal aid telephone line, supported by SMS and WhatsApp platforms through which members of the public could seek initial legal assistance.

He further recommended making basic legal information available in local languages to help individuals better understand their rights.

On dispute resolution, Dr Ayine encouraged the Commission to strengthen its ADR services, particularly in family, land, tenancy and debt-related disputes.

He explained that cooperation with traditional authorities and community mediators could help resolve certain disputes without requiring parties to undergo lengthy and expensive court proceedings.

To improve coordination, he also proposed a shared case-management system linking the Legal Aid Commission, the courts and the Office of the Attorney General.

AG calls for adequate funding and accountability

Dr Ayine emphasised that expanding legal aid services would require sustained financial investment and institutional support.

He advocated predictable funding through the national budget, complemented by assistance from development partners where necessary.

The Attorney General also urged the Commission to publish annual performance reports detailing the number of people assisted, its district-level coverage and the time taken to resolve cases.

He assured the Commission of his Office's support for the legal and policy reforms necessary to improve service delivery.

He further called on prosecutors to respect the right of accused persons to legal representation throughout criminal proceedings.