Ghana’s government has introduced transitional measures to implement its new legal education framework, providing a clear path for thousands of aspiring lawyers. This move addresses a longstanding backlog of law graduates awaiting admission to the Bar, with an estimated 5,000 to 8,000 graduates previously unable to access professional training.
These interim directives, issued by Professor Raymond Atuguba, Director of Legal Education and the Ghana School of Law, act on behalf of the Attorney-General. They ensure a smooth shift from the old system to the new regime established under the Legal Education Act, 2026 (Act 1170). The new law significantly changes legal education by decentralising professional training and entrusting universities with a direct role in preparing legal practitioners.
The reforms are a major shift in Ghana’s legal education landscape, aiming to widen access to professional legal training. The previous system relied on limited spaces and an Independent Examinations Committee (IEC) admission process, leading to the large backlog. The new framework abolishes these entrance examinations, opening new routes for both recent graduates and those previously held back.
Professor Atuguba highlighted widespread support for these reforms from various legal education stakeholders. He noted that the policy directives align with recommendations from the Conference of Law Deans’ emergency meeting on May 13, 2026. “I am happy to note that the Policy Directives are substantially aligned with the recommendations made by the Conference of Law Deans,” Professor Atuguba stated.
Under the interim arrangements, accredited universities can now keep their graduating LLB students for an additional year to undertake a special Pre-Bar Course. This programme will cover crucial theoretical subjects such as Company Law, Commercial Law, and Family Law. Successful students will receive certification from their universities, allowing them to progress to Law Practice Training (LPT), sit the National Bar Examination, and ultimately qualify for the Bar.
Universities not offering the Pre-Bar Course can partner with the Ghana School of Law or transfer affected students. The new Council for Legal Education and Training (CLET), created by the Act, is yet to be constituted. These interim directives cover urgent matters until CLET is fully operational. Authorities expect applications for accreditation to run the Law Practice Training programme to begin in October this year.
The government aims for full implementation of the decentralised legal education system by the 2027/2028 academic year. Universities have received directives to use this transition period to strengthen their infrastructure. They must also enhance practical legal training capacity and review curricula to match the new framework. This initiative promises to expand access, resolve admission bottlenecks, and build a more inclusive system for future legal professionals.