Legal education reform needs further work, GIMPA lecturer says

A Senior Law Lecturer at the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration, Clement Akapame, has welcomed Ghana’s new legal education reforms but says the country must go beyond expanding access to professional law training.

He said the Legal Education Reform Bill, 2025, marks an important shift after years of debate over the limited opportunities available to law graduates seeking professional qualification.

The law is expected to open up professional legal education and reduce some of the barriers associated with entry into the system.

Speaking on Channel One TV on Wednesday, May 13, Mr Akapame described the passage of the Bill as a major development.

“It’s great that we’ve taken this leap to reform legal education,” he said.

But he cautioned that the real test would be how the new framework is implemented.

According to him, the reforms should have addressed the broader legal services ecosystem, not only the training of lawyers.

Mr Akapame said areas such as paralegal training, legal support staff, pupilage, and post-professional legal education also require attention.

He argued that a stronger legal education system must provide clear structures for all categories of people who support the delivery of legal services.

The GIMPA lecturer also raised concerns about possible uncertainty in the new law.

He said there may be questions over what exactly qualifies as a law programme under the reforms.

He also warned of potential overlaps between the General Legal Council and other bodies involved in regulating legal education.

Mr Akapame called for the reforms to be implemented in phases to allow institutions, regulators and students to adjust properly.

He said a gradual approach would help identify gaps, resolve practical challenges and provide certainty for those affected by the new system.

He expressed hope that policymakers would issue further guidance to support smooth enforcement of the law.