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Dr Dominic Ayine, the Attorney General and Minister for Justice, has announced plans to introduce new legislation aimed at enhancing the legal framework governing disciplinary actions against lawyers in Ghana. This Bill will undergo review and approval by Cabinet before being presented to Parliament. Dubbed the Legal Profession (Practitioners Standards Board) Bill, the legislation intends to revamp the regulatory mechanisms surrounding lawyers to protect their rights and enhance public trust in the profession.

The proposed Bill will establish an independent Disciplinary Committee, characterized by clear procedural guidelines and provisions for proportionate penalties. This move represents a significant departure from the current system, where the Disciplinary Committee acts both as an investigator and adjudicator for complaints. Moreover, the Bill proposes stringent procedural deadlines for addressing grievances, which will help prevent prolonged proceedings that inconvenience both clients and lawyers.

A key feature of the proposed legislation is the creation of a separate, independent Disciplinary Board. This board will consist of lay individuals without legal expertise, professional representatives, and members with tenure guarantees. The Attorney General asserts that this separation from judicial, professional, and executive influences will prevent the potential misuse of disciplinary procedures against lawyers by clients, the judiciary or the state.

The new legislation is part of the Attorney General's broader initiative to introduce reforms within the legal profession, with the goal of transforming legal practice and education. This follows the recent passage of the Legal Education Act 2026, which is currently undergoing implementation.