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By Francis Ntow

Accra, October 7, GNA – Justice Ernest Yao Gaewu, a member of the Supreme Court, has advocated for a thorough reevaluation of legal education in Ghana, stating that the existing system is insufficient to equip lawyers with the necessary skills to address modern democratic issues and safeguard constitutional governance.

Justice Gaewu made these remarks during the launch of the 25th Anniversary event of the Ghana School of Law Millennium Class of 2000 on Monday, where he addressed the topic: “Redefining Legal Education for Improved Democracy for the Future Generation.”

He mentioned that globally, democratic standards are declining, with judicial independence facing challenges, mainly due to the spread of false information and misleading content in public discussions, as well as the prioritization of political convenience over the rule of law.

The existing approach to legal education in Ghana, as highlighted by Justice Gaewu, was not adequately preparing future professionals for the challenges ahead, as it focused primarily on technical skills such as case law, statutes, and procedural rules.

“These elements are essential but not enough. To reshape legal education for the future, we require lawyers who are more than just legal professionals; they should be community leaders, analytical minds, ethical individuals, and compassionate representatives,” he stated.

In this environment, the function of the legal field goes beyond just understanding laws. It is about protecting democratic systems, giving a platform to underrepresented groups, and ensuring justice in its broadest form.

A Supreme Court Justice urged legal educators and professionals to deeply reflect on the goals of legal education, posing the question: “What type of lawyers are required by democracy in the present day?”

He outlined four key foundations for transformed legal education – democratic literacy, access to justice and public interest law, cross-disciplinary methods, and ethical and moral thinking.

“Law schools should instruct students on the basic concepts of democratic governance, not only in constitutional law courses but throughout the entire program… Students need to grasp how laws influence and are influenced by social power and political systems,” he stated.

Justice Gaewu advocated for clinics, legal aid initiatives, and volunteer work to be integrated into the curriculum as essential components rather than optional courses, emphasizing that their importance in improving access to justice cannot be emphasized enough.

In terms of interdisciplinary methods, he stated: “Future legal professionals need to be proficient in economics, political science, technology, environmental science, and history, as the challenges they will encounter—such as AI and privacy, climate change justice, and global inequality—do not adhere to traditional academic boundaries.”

Justice Gaewu also promoted Ethical and Moral Reasoning within the legal community, urging professionals to develop not just knowledge but also wisdom, and to ensure that legal education enhances character and integrity as much as it does intellectual growth.

“Democracy does not maintain itself. It depends on protectors—individuals who comprehend the law, who stand for justice, and who possess the courage and audacity to take action when others stay quiet. Legal education serves as the nurturing ground for these protectors,” he said.

Ms. Isabel Boaten, President of the Greater Accra Bar, Endorses, a member of the Millennium Class, stated that the input of legal professionals was crucial during a period when democratic progress was being sought.

She mentioned that legal education should acknowledge Ghana as part of a nearly one-trillion-dollar worldwide sector, revolving around a multipolar world, where technology and AI are rapidly advancing, intensifying global competition.

“As legal professionals in academia, the judiciary, private practice, and as in-house counsel, we have the opportunity to be involved in collaborative thinking… and can make significant contributions to reshaping legal education in Ghana,” Ms. Boaten stated.

GNA

Edited by Agnes Boye-Doe