In a significant move to democratize the path to becoming a lawyer in Ghana, Attorney General Mr. Dominic Ayine announced a comprehensive reform of the nation's legal education system during a public address on Monday, 29 July. The proposed changes are designed to open up more opportunities for Bachelor of Laws (LLB) holders by overhauling the admission and training processes for legal practitioners.

Currently, LLB graduates must pass a rigorous entrance exam to enter the Ghana School of Law (GSL), followed by a two-year training period and a bar examination. Under the new plan, the Attorney General aims to reduce the total duration of legal training, integrating a three-year law faculty education with a subsequent one-year bar practice course at the same university. This shift would culminate in a national bar examination, mandatory for all aspiring lawyers.

The proposed legislation, which is expected to be reviewed by the Cabinet next month, suggests eliminating the GSL's monopoly over legal training. This change could potentially decentralize legal education, making it more accessible and fostering competition among universities, which may improve the quality and affordability of legal education.

In an exclusive interview with JURIST, Salamatu Haruna, a Barrister‑at‑Law candidate, praised the draft bill for its potential to enhance legal practice across various regions of Ghana. "This system could solidify legal practice in less represented areas, as law students develop familiarity with local courts and legal needs during their extended training in these regions," Haruna remarked.

Conversely, Bismark Gyabaah, a recent LLB graduate, voiced concerns that a shorter training period might compromise the breadth of legal education. However, he recognized the benefit of reverting to a system without entrance exams, which could streamline access to legal training.

The reform aligns with Article 25(1)(c) of the 1992 constitution of Ghana, which advocates for equal educational opportunities. By restructuring the legal education framework, the Attorney General's office seeks to prevent incidents like that of 2021, where nearly 500 LLB graduates were initially denied admission to GSL due to capacity issues, only to be admitted following presidential intervention.

As the legal community and aspiring lawyers await the Cabinet's decision, the potential impact of these reforms on the quality and accessibility of legal training in Ghana continues to fuel discussions among stakeholders. If passed, this legislation could significantly alter the landscape of legal education and practice in Ghana, enhancing the delivery of justice across the nation.