The Parliamentary Select Committee on Constitutional and Legal Affairs, led by the Chairperson Hon Shaibu Mahama (MP for Daboya/Mankarigu), commenced a comprehensive working visit to institutions under the Office of the Attorney-General and Ministry of Justice. The visit was aimed at assessing operational constraints and strengthening parliamentary advocacy for justice sector reforms.
Office of the Attorney-General & Ministry of Justice
Attorney-General(A-G) Raises Attrition Concerns
During the Committee’s engagement at the A-G’s Office, the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Hon Dr. Dominic Akuritinga Ayine, expressed serious concern over the increasing loss of skilled State Attorneys due to low remuneration and heavy workloads.
He revealed that, recently a Principal State Attorney tendered a resignation,citing unsustainable financial conditions and the widening earnings gap between public and private legal practice.
Dr. Ayine appealed to the Committee to support urgent salary reviews to attract and retain competent legal professionals.
Dignitaries present at the Committee’s engagement with the Ministry were, the Solicitor-General, Mrs Helen Ziwu, the Chief Director Mrs Fati Bodua Seidu, the Director of the Energy Division Mrs Pearl Akiwumi, Chief State Attorney, Mrs Evelyn Keelson among other Directors of the Ministry.
AGENCY HIGHLIGHTS
Ghana School of Law (GSL)
Director Calls for Structural Reforms in Legal Education
At the Ghana School of Law, Director and Court of Appeal Judge, Nana Justice Barima Yaw Kodie Oppong, called for statutory reforms to enable the School to independently run both the LLB and QCL programmes.
He emphasised that such reforms would strengthen academic quality and expand access to professional legal training.
Office of the Registrar of Companies (ORC)
ORC Outlines Operational Challenges Hindering Efficiency
The Registrar of Companies, Maame Samar Peprah briefed the Committee on major operational challenges including:
- Lack of a modern automation system
- Weak security arrangements
- Insolvency administration difficulties
- Inadequate staffing
She noted that these challenges limit productivity and hinder the ORC’s ability to meet rising business demands.
Law Reform Commission
Commission Appeals for Critical Resources
The Law Reform Commission highlighted key resource gaps affecting its mandate. These included unreliable vehicles, poor internet connectivity, and inadequate computers.
The Commission stressed that effective legislative review and nationwide research depend on the availability of these essential tools.
Legal Aid Commission (LAC)
Legal Aid Commission Calls for Support to Expand Access to Justice
The Legal Aid Commission raised concerns about limited staff strength, insufficient office space, lack of vehicles, and inadequate security for personnel. These constraints, it said, hinder the ability to provide timely and equitable legal assistance to the poor and vulnerable.
Registrar General’s Department (RGD)
Registrar General Highlights Need for Modernised Systems
Registrar- General Mrs. Grace Issahaque outlined serious operational challenges including outdated software and payment systems, inadequate vehicles, poor infrastructure, and limited training resources.
She noted that these shortcomings negatively affect revenue mobilisation and customer service delivery.
Copyright Office
Copyright Office Engages Committee on Strengthening IP Administration
The Copyright Office emphasised the need for enhanced resources to support public education, enforcement, and digital copyright monitoring. Leadership highlighted the importance of strengthening intellectual property protection to support Ghana’s creative industries.
Council for Law Reporting (CLR)
Council Calls for Improved Tools to Sustain Legal Publications
The Council for Law Reporting informed the Committee of its need for modern publishing tools, stable funding, and logistical support to ensure timely production of authoritative law reports.
Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO)
EOCO Seeks Support to Combat Evolving Economic Crime
EOCO briefed the Committee on its operational challenges in combating complex financial and organised crime. The Office highlighted the need for modern investigative tools and additional personnel to effectively address emerging threats.
Committee’s Assurance
The Select Committee pledged to present all concerns raised in Parliament and to advocate for enhanced funding, strengthened institutional capacities, and holistic reforms across the justice sector.
the Chairman of the Committee was accompanied by Hon. James Enu Member of Parliament for Tema West- Vice Chairman,Hon. Kwame Anyimadu-Antwi -Member of Parliament for Asante Akim Central-Ranking Member,Hon. Alhassan Tampuli Sulemana, Member of Parliament for Gushegu-Deputy Ranking Member,Hon. Philip Fiifi Buckman, Member of Parliament for Kwesimintsim- Member,Hon. Sanja Nanja,Member of Parliament for Atebubu/Amantin-Member, Hon. Bismark Tetteh Nyarko ,Member of Parliament for Upper Manya Krobo Member among others and other staff of Parliament.
