Justice of the Supreme Court, Ernest Yao Gaewu, has called for a redefinition of Ghana’s legal education system to better equip future lawyers with the skills and ethical grounding needed to safeguard the nation’s democracy.
He said the current model of legal education, though focused on technical competence, must evolve to produce lawyers who are not only legal technicians but also civic leaders, critical thinkers, and ethical advocates committed to justice and the rule of law.
Justice Gaewu made the call on Monday in Accra, at the launch of the 25th anniversary celebration of the Ghana School of Law Millennium Class, held on the theme: “Redefining Legal Education for Enhanced Democracy for the Next Generation.”
He noted that the foundations of democracy across the world were being tested in profound ways, with judicial independence under threat and misinformation distorting public discourse.
In such a climate, he said, the role of lawyers extended beyond the courtroom to defending democratic institutions, amplifying marginalised voices, and upholding justice in its most inclusive sense.
“The question we must ask ourselves,” he emphasised, “is what kind of lawyers does democracy need today? It needs lawyers who think beyond statutes and procedures; lawyers who understand society, who act ethically, and who see law not as a business, but as a calling.”
According to him, redefining legal education must rest on key pillars, including democratic literacy across the curriculum, compulsory access-to-justice and pro bono components, interdisciplinary learning, and the cultivation of moral and ethical reasoning.
“As lawyers with 25 years of experience, we must mentor, advocate, and reform. We must help law schools innovate, and promote civic engagement and social justice in legal training,” he said, urging senior practitioners to lead by example in modelling professionalism and integrity for the next generation.
The President of the Greater Accra Bar, Isabel Boateng, commended the Millennium Class for their contribution to the legal profession and lauded their chosen theme as timely and relevant.
She reflected on the journey of the class and highlighted the importance of building a new generation of lawyers who are entrepreneurial, innovative, and globally minded.
“Our legal education must recognise that Ghana is not an island but part of a trillion-dollar global industry. We must train lawyers who can respond to this changing world order with independence and innovation,” she said.
The week-long celebration that is expected to end on Sunday, October 12, 2025, includes activities such as virtual class interactions, donation and career guidance sessions.
Other activities are a special Islamic prayer (Jummah) at the Accra Central Mosque, a bonfire and class party, and a thanksgiving service at the Ridge Church in Accra to conclude the celebrations.
BY STEPHANIE BIRIKORANG AND BLESSING ATALATA MOSES
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