Accra, March 27, – Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie has assured that the newly passed Legal Education Reform Bill, 2026 will expand access to legal education without compromising standards.
He made the remarks at the maiden March Call to the Bar ceremony held at the Cedi Conference Centre, University of Ghana, Legon, where 155 new lawyers were formally enrolled.
“Only yesterday (March 26), Parliament passed the Legal Education Reform Bill, 2026, which will become law upon presidential assent,” the Chief Justice said. “It introduces a new framework that seeks to widen opportunity while firmly upholding standards.”
Under the reform, accredited universities will be allowed to provide both academic and professional legal training, while a National Bar Examination will serve as a uniform professional standard. This, he explained, will reduce institutional bottlenecks and address the longstanding backlog of students awaiting professional training.
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie emphasized that the integrity of the qualification process will be strengthened through transparent, standardized assessments. “The principle is simple: opportunity must be widened, but standards must be firmly upheld,” he said.
He also highlighted broader judicial reforms, including extended court sitting hours under a two-stream system to improve access and reduce delays, as well as the comprehensive revision of the Rules of Court to enhance clarity, efficiency, and predictability.
“Deliberate steps are being taken to strengthen both infrastructure and judicial security, ensuring justice is administered in safe, functional, and dignified conditions,” he added.
Addressing the new lawyers, the Chief Justice reminded them of their responsibility to maintain integrity and professionalism. “Integrity is cumulative – it is built or broken daily, and once lost, it is very difficult to restore,” he cautioned, urging them to respect clients, courts, and the legal system.
He concluded that Ghana is entering a significant transition in legal education, resolving the historical tension between expanding access and maintaining professional standards.
GHBUSS
27 March 2026
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