The Case for More Lawyers in Ghana
Every year, like clockwork, a deeply moving national ritual takes place in Ghana. No, I am not talking about the budgeting for a new national cathedral, nor am I referring to the periodic resurrection of stable electricity. I am talking about the annual call to the Bar, a solemn occasion when hundreds of enthusiastic citizens … The post The Case for More Lawyers in Ghana appeared first on…
Every year, Ghana witnesses a significant national ritual - the annual call to the Bar. Hundreds of people earn the right to wear the distinctive horsehair wig in the tropical heat. Social media commentary often portrays the legal profession as the greatest threat to the country's development. However, the truth is different.
Critics argue that there are too many lawyers in Ghana, pointing to issues like land disputes, contract breaches, and missing public funds. Yet, when faced with personal crises, such as a landlord locking people out or messy divorces, they are quick to seek legal assistance. Lawyers play a crucial role in resolving legal disputes and holding institutions accountable.
Some critics argue that the country needs more engineers and doctors, not lawyers. They suggest that nation-building requires a focus on these professions. However, this is a false dichotomy. Infrastructure and healthcare cannot function without the legal framework that enforces standards and regulations. Lawyers are essential in interpreting and enforcing laws, ensuring public safety.
Critics also claim that studying law is a default choice for arts students who did not excel in other subjects. This is a misguided belief. Legal practice involves complex problem-solving and often requires as much intellectual prowess as other disciplines. Lawyers interpret constitutional crises, untangle financial regulations, handle intellectual property theft, prosecute medical negligence, and draft legal frameworks for emerging technologies.
While the critics are correct that the wigs and gowns worn by lawyers are an outdated colonial relic, this does not mean lawyers should be abolished. Modernizing the legal profession's attire is possible without undermining its importance. The real challenge for Ghana is not the number of lawyers but their utility and competence.
With over 30 million people, the country needs more legal professionals who are highly skilled and driven by integrity. The focus should be on building a system that puts these professionals to good use and ensures their services are accessible to all citizens.
Written by urgent.news from Ghanaian Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
