Author: Victoria Nana Adwoa Kwofie
On Saturday, October 19, 2024, the Center for National Interest and Research, in collaboration with the Institution of Paralegals and Legal Executives and the Africa Center for Collaborative Dispute Resolution (AfCCoDR), hosted the Paralegal Conference 2024 at the Ghana-India Kofi Annan Center of Excellence in ICT.
The conference, which brought together key representatives from the Attorney General’s office, the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), the Legal Aid Commission, and various security agencies, law faculties, and traditional leaders, aimed to advance the role of paralegals and legal executives in Ghana’s justice system.
The event focused on critical themes including capacity building for paralegals, promoting collaboration among legal professionals and policymakers, and improving the lawyer-to-population ratio in the country. By enhancing the role of paralegals in the legal system, the conference aimed to ensure greater access to justice for all Ghanaians.
The participants emphasized the need for establishing standards for paralegal practice and education, fostering innovation in the legal profession, and strengthening the role of paralegals in supporting justice delivery and national development.
Engineer Dzabaku Kudiabor Ocansey, the convener of the conference, called on the government to pass the current draft legislative instrument (LI) with the Attorney General into law. He argued that transforming the LI into an Act would formalize and regulate the paralegal profession in Ghana, ensuring clarity and consistency across the sector.
“This will provide full effect to the practice and proper regulation of paralegals and legal executives in Ghana,” Ocansey emphasized.”
In his address, Isaac Asare, President of the Africa Centre for Collaborative Dispute Resolution (AfCCoDR), highlighted the significance of the conference in enhancing access to justice through collaboration.
“This conference marks a significant moment in our shared journey toward achieving a more inclusive, collaborative, and efficient justice system,” he stated.
Asare stressed that paralegals and legal executives must work closely with lawyers, judges, and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) professionals to make justice accessible to everyone, particularly marginalized communities.
President Isaac Asare concluded his speech by reaffirming AfCCoDR’s commitment to promoting collaboration and professional development in the legal sector, emphasizing that the conference should serve as a “catalyst for change, collaboration, and progress in our pursuit of justice for all.”
A key part of the conference was the speech delivered on behalf of the Attorney General, Hon. Godfred Yeboah Dame by Mr. George Tetteh Sackey who underscored the invaluable contributions of paralegals in bridging the gap in legal service delivery.
He emphasized the critical role of paralegals in helping marginalized communities access justice, stating, “Many Ghanaians, particularly those in underserved communities, are unable to access adequate legal services due to financial constraints and a limited pool of legal professionals. Paralegals are key players in bridging this gap.”
The Attorney General also highlighted the expanding role of paralegals in corporate, international, and digital sectors. He pointed out that paralegals are no longer confined to traditional legal aid and court support but are increasingly contributing to corporate governance, compliance, and regulatory affairs in institutions such as the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC).
“International organizations, including The World Bank and United Nations agencies, rely on paralegals to ensure that legal frameworks are upheld in global operations,” the Attorney General added.
Furthermore, the Attorney General stressed the importance of professional development for paralegals and called for the formal regulation of the profession. He revealed that the Ministry of Justice is collaborating with civil society and international partners to regulate and standardize paralegal practice in Ghana.
“This regulation will enhance the professionalism of paralegals and set ethical standards, while clearly defining the scope of their practice,” he stated, ensuring that paralegals are well-equipped to make meaningful contributions to justice delivery.
In addition to their roles in the legal and corporate sectors, the Attorney General highlighted the involvement of paralegals in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms. He noted that many corporate bodies and international institutions are increasingly relying on paralegals to assist with mediation and arbitration, helping to reduce litigation costs and foster peaceful resolutions to conflicts.
The Paralegal Conference 2024 has set the stage for a future where paralegals are not only recognized but empowered to help ensure justice for all Ghanaians, from the most vulnerable individuals to the largest corporate entities.
The organizers seized the opportunity and launched the Paralegals, Legal Executives, Mediators, and Arbitrators Excellence Awards 2024.