Justice Asiedu Adibu sworn in as Chairman of Legal Aid Commission Board

A Justice of the Supreme Court of Ghana, His Lordship Samuel Kwame Asiedu Adibu, has been sworn in as Chair of the Board of the Legal Aid Commission.

Other members of the Board are Edmund Amarkwel Foley, Stella Chene Appiah, Florence Ayisi Quartey, Prince Boamah Abrah (PhD), Professor Raymond Akongburo Atuguba, Frieda Aniwaah Boateng, Frederick Gurah Sampson, Chief Superintendent Abdulai Amadu Alichewu, and Oliver Barker-Vormawor.

The Legal Aid Commission plays a critical role in providing legal representation and assistance to indigent and vulnerable persons across the country. However, it continues to face challenges, including inadequate funding and a shortage of lawyers, among others.

As Chair of the Board, Justice Asiedu is expected to spearhead, among other responsibilities, the development of a comprehensive legal aid policy and programme to be implemented nationwide.

In addition, he would lead the Board to:

select lawyers and other personnel to provide legal representation to applicants, including ensuring an applicant’s right to counsel of choice where applicable;

liaise with persons engaged in, or interested in, the provision of legal aid; and

Supervise the general administration of the legal aid programme.

Further, as Chair of the Board, he will be responsible for ensuring the proper and effective performance of the Commission’s functions and for designating an officer of the Commission to serve as Secretary to the Board.