The Dean of the University of Ghana School of Law (UGSoL), Professor Peter A. Atupare, has reiterated the need for a comprehensive, quality-focused approach to legal education reform in Ghana. He made the remarks at a symposium on Reforming Legal Education, organised by the Solidare Governance Forum at the Erata Hotel in Accra on 12th November 2025, under the theme “Building Competent, Ethical, and Inclusive Ghanaian Legal Professionals.” In his address, Professor Atupare emphasised that while the expansion of access to legal education is essential, it must be accompanied by measures that safeguard quality and maintain high professional standards across all levels of training.
“It is not just about opening the space at both the LLB and professional levels,” he stated. “We must also ensure equality in teaching methodology, content, and faculty standards, because the quality of justice and governance in a country reflects the quality of its legal education.”
He further affirmed the importance of grounding Ghana’s legal training in the country’s own experiences and values rather than relying solely on imported models. According to him, disparities in course content and instructional quality among law faculties have contributed to inconsistencies in student preparedness, reinforcing the need for standardised curricula, consistent supervision, and quality assurance mechanisms.
Professor Atupare also highlighted the need to improve the working conditions and motivation of law lecturers, noting that the effectiveness of legal training depends significantly on the welfare and commitment of those who deliver it.
The discussion featured legal luminaries, including Professor Raymond Atuguba, Acting Director of Legal Education at the Ghana School of Law; Dr. Francisca Kusi-Appiah, Vice Dean of the UPSA Law School; and Mr. Benjamin Alpha Aidoo, a newly qualified lawyer. Together, they examined the current challenges of legal education and the path toward reforms that foster competence, ethics, and inclusivity within the profession.
Participants, including students, academics, and legal practitioners, raised pertinent questions on access to the Ghana School of Law, the integration of technology in legal training, and maintaining high standards amidst growing demand for professional education.
