Position yourselves for Legal Education Reform- CJ Urges Universities, Law Faculties
By DL News
Published
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Speaking at a colloquium on legal education reform, the Chief Justice said institutions that train lawyers must now position themselves to meet the demands of the new regime.
Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie has urged universities and law faculties to prepare adequately for the changes expected under the Legal Education Act, 2026.
He said the passage of the Act should mark the beginning of serious institutional preparation, not merely a change in the legal framework.
Speaking at a colloquium on legal education reform, the Chief Justice said institutions that train lawyers must now position themselves to meet the demands of the new regime.
The event was held under the theme: “Implementing the Legal Education Act 2026: Institutional Readiness, Accreditation and the Future of Legal Training.”
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie described the enactment of the Legal Education Act, 2026, Act 1170, as a mature and thoughtful step towards transforming legal education in Ghana.
Parliament passed the Legal Education Bill in March 2026, and President John Dramani Mahama later assented to it.
The law is expected to broaden access to legal education, improve regulation and strengthen the training of future legal practitioners.
The Chief Justice said the central issue now is whether institutions are genuinely ready to implement the reforms.
He stressed that governance and regulatory preparedness must be practical and substantive, not symbolic.
According to him, law faculties must put in place systems that protect academic integrity, ensure quality teaching and support credible accreditation processes.
He also called on universities to invest in modern facilities that can support practical legal training.
These, he said, should include well-equipped moot courts, digital learning tools and other infrastructure required for contemporary legal education.
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie further urged law faculties and stakeholders to use legal scholarship and research to respond to pressing national issues.
He said the success of the Act would depend largely on how seriously institutions adapt to the new requirements.
The Chief Justice added that Ghana’s legal education system must produce lawyers who are competent, ethical and prepared to serve the needs of society.
