Parliament Passes Legal Education Reform Bill 2025 – Professional Law Training to Move to Universities
Parliament has successfully passed the Legal Education Reform Bill, 2025, introducing major changes to how legal education and professional training are conducted in Ghana.
The new law establishes a Council for Legal Education and Training to regulate legal education nationwide and standardise curricula across institutions.
One of the most significant reforms is the relocation of professional legal training from the Ghana School of Law to accredited universities. Under the new system, these universities will run a Law Practice Training Course to prepare qualified law graduates for the National Bar Examination.
Majority Leader’s Position
Speaking during the debate, the Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, described the passage of the Bill as a fulfilment of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) party’s campaign promise to make legal education more accessible and fair.
He emphasised that the reforms aim to dismantle long-standing barriers that have restricted many qualified graduates from entering the legal profession.
Minority Leader’s Reaction
The Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, acknowledged that the Bill is a positive step but criticised the government for failing to deliver on several other key campaign promises.
He specifically mentioned that while legal education reform had been achieved, initiatives such as the establishment of a Women’s Bank — promised by the NDC — are yet to materialise, even though the government has been in office for more than two years.
Broad Consensus
Despite the political exchanges, both sides of the House expressed broad agreement on the need to reform Ghana’s legal education system to make it more inclusive, efficient, and aligned with modern standards.
The Bill now awaits presidential assent before it becomes law.
This reform is expected to significantly expand opportunities for law graduates across the country and address long-standing criticisms regarding limited admission slots and the exclusivity of legal training at the Ghana School of Law.
Source: Parliamentary proceedings and statements by Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga and Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin (March 26, 2026)
