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A Principal State Attorney, Mr George Tetteh Sackey, has underscored the need for paralegals to be given relevant skills, competent regulation and legal backing in order to enhance Ghana’s justice system.
He said beyond the traditional court settings, paralegals were now relevant in corporate organisations, international bodies and regulatory agencies, hence the needed support.
“Their duties transcend basic legal support to the enhancement of justice delivery, fostering collaboration and building social cohesion. As we gaze in optimism into the future, let us continue to buttress the growth and professionalism of the paralegal sector. With effective collaboration, we can ensure that justice is accessible to all in our society,” he stated.
Mr Sackey was speaking on behalf of Mr Godfred Yeboah Dame, the Attorney-General, at the Paralegal Conference 2024 held in Accra at the weekend.
The event was organised by the Centre for National Interest and Research-Ghana (CNIR-GH) in collaboration with Institution of Paralegals & Legal Executives and Africa Centre for Collaborative Dispute Resolution (AfCCoDR).
It was on the theme; ‘Enhancing Access to Justice Delivery through Effective Paralegal, Legal Executive Practice and Effective Collaboration.’
Moreover, the Principal State Attorney explained that paralegals in corporate Governance, Human Rights Advocacy and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and their collaboration with lawyers, legal executives, and institutions were critical in ensuring that justice was served within and outside the courts.
Mr Dzabaku Kudiabor Ocansey, Executive Director, CNIR-GH said the
Conference would enhance capacity building for paralegals and legal executives; promote collaboration among legal professionals, policymakers, and stakeholders; improve the lawyer-to-population ratio, ensuring greater access to justice for all.
He said it would also establish standards for paralegal practice and education; foster innovation and technology adoption in the legal profession and strengthen the role of paralegals in supporting justice delivery and national development.
Mr Ocansey, also the Convenor of the Conference, noted that the paralegal and legal executive space in Ghana was incredibly broad and crucial in addressing the challenge of the lawyer-to-population ratio, ensuring greater access to justice delivery for all.
He indicated that Ghana was faced with significant barriers to justice, including high costs, bias, and long delays, which prevented many citizens from accessing the formal justice system, especially in rural areas.
The Convenor further noted that the Legal Aid Commission, with support from UNDP, Ghana, and civil society organisations, had given effect to the provisions made in the Legal Aid Act 2018 through a Legislative Instrument (L.I.) in 2022.
However, Mr Ocansey emphasised that it was insufficient for regulating paralegals in Ghana and urged Government to transform the current draft L.I. with the Attorney General into an Act.
Mr Isaac Asare, Founder and President, AfCCoDR, identified a knowledge gap amongst citizens regarding the legal system and called for the training of more paralegals to carry out such education in communities.
BY TIMES REPORTER
