Ghana Opens Professional Legal Education to Universities Following New Law

John Dramani Mahama has officially assented to the Legal Education Reform Bill, 2025, a move that ends the long-standing exclusive control of the Ghana School of Law over professional legal training in Ghana after 66 years.

The newly signed law is expected to widen opportunities for individuals seeking legal education by permitting qualified universities and institutions to provide professional law programmes once they satisfy regulatory requirements. Previously, professional legal education in Ghana was handled solely by the Ghana School of Law, a situation that sparked years of public debate over limited admissions and restricted access.

Many stakeholders have described the reform as a major step toward improving accessibility within Ghana’s legal education system. With the law now in effect, approved institutions will be able to train future lawyers under the supervision of the appropriate regulatory authorities.

Speaking after the signing ceremony in Accra, President Mahama noted that the reform would maintain quality legal training while creating broader opportunities for aspiring lawyers across the country