A draft Legislative Instrument on paralegal work is expected to strengthen access to justice by providing a legal framework for the profession and setting clear standards for training, accreditation and practice.
Legal experts say once enacted, the instrument will enhance legal support for vulnerable groups and promote greater awareness of the rights and welfare of prisoners across the country.
Access to justice remains a challenge for many Ghanaians, especially women, persons living in rural communities and other vulnerable groups.
For more than four years, German Development Cooperation, in partnership with Ghana’s Office of the Attorney-General and Ministry of Justice, has worked with public institutions, legal professionals and civil society organisations to strengthen access to justice, promote legal empowerment and support key justice sector reforms in Ghana and across Africa.
The achievements were highlighted at Legal Days 2026, held to mark the successful completion of the regional project, Promotion of the Rule of Law and the Judiciary in Africa (PRoLA).
The initiative was implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH in partnership with the Office of the Attorney-General and Ministry of Justice on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).
Speaking on behalf of the Attorney-General’s Department, Frances Ansah underscored the project’s regional impact.
“Across Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, Tanzania and Ghana, this project has strengthened justice institutions and advanced a shared vision of justice that is accessible, fair and trusted by all,” she said.
One of PRoLA’s most notable achievements was expanding public access to legal information. Through collaboration with Ghana Legal Information Institute (GhaLII), AfricanLII, Laws.Africa, the Judicial Service of Ghana, Parliament of Ghana and the Attorney-General’s Department, approximately 300,000 pages of legal materials, including legislation and court judgments, were digitised and made freely available online.
Legal Days 2026 also witnessed the launch of the enhanced GhaLII platform and MyGhaLII, introducing improved search capabilities and easier access to legal information for lawyers, researchers, students and the general public.
The project further made significant strides in improving access to justice for vulnerable and underserved communities. More than 600 paralegals were trained to provide legal information and support at the community level, assisting over 9,300 citizens-particularly women and vulnerable groups-to access legal services, information and referral support.
In addition, the initiative supported the development of a draft Legislative Instrument on Paralegal Work, which is expected to provide a legal framework for the profession and establish standards for training, accreditation and practice across the country.
PRoLA also strengthened the capacity of institutions and professionals engaged in alternative dispute resolution, commercial law and legal advisory services. More than 510 experts benefited from specialised training and knowledge-sharing programmes aimed at enhancing legal services for businesses and economic actors.
Judicial integrity initiatives undertaken under the project further supported the practical implementation of the Bangalore Principles of Judicial Conduct within Ghana’s judiciary.
Reflecting on the longstanding partnership between Ghana and Germany, Frederik Landshöft stressed the importance of the rule of law in national development.
“Rule of law is not simply a legal principle; it protects rights, creates opportunities and builds trust. Trust is the foundation of democracy and economic development. Germany remains committed to working with Ghana, and we look forward to continuing our cooperation, particularly in strengthening transparent investment frameworks and effective dispute resolution that benefits generations,” he said.
Representing the Chief Justice of Ghana, Justice Gabriel Pwamang noted that the project’s impact would endure beyond its formal conclusion.
“The achievements of the project show the value of sustained collaboration in building a more accessible, responsive and inclusive justice system,” he stated.
The Vice President of the Ghana Bar Association, Victoria Nana Ama Barth, says legislation on paralegal practice will ensure that vulnerable persons are not left behind in accessing justice and legal protection.
The Commissioner of the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice, Dr. Joseph Whittal, outlined measures the Commission has introduced to strengthen the protection and promotion of human rights across the country.
The Acting Director of the Public Defenders Commission of Ghana Legal Aid, Nelson Kpoho, noted that the proposed paralegal framework will complement the Commission’s mandate by expanding access to legal services, particularly for underserved communities.
Although PRoLA has officially concluded, stakeholders say its legacy will continue through stronger institutions, expanded access to legal information, improved professional capacities and enduring partnerships that support justice sector reforms in Ghana.
Legal Days 2026 brought together representatives from the Attorney-General’s Department, the Judicial Service, the Ghana School of Law, the Legal Aid Commission, Parliament, development partners, civil society organizations and members of the legal profession to assess the project’s achievements and chart the way forward in advancing the rule of law and ensuring access to justice for all.
By Kingsley Adusei Amakye
