Lancaster University calls for reforms to Ghana School of Law admission system

Students and authorities at Lancaster University, Ghana, are calling for reforms to the Ghana School of Law admission system, warning that the current reliance on a single entrance examination may be limiting access for many qualified law graduates.

Speaking during the maiden Law Summit organised by the university’s Law Department, participants argued that the system, while maintaining high professional standards, should also create more pathways for aspiring lawyers.

A final year law student at the summit, Avorka, dismissed concerns that broader access would dilute the quality of legal training.

“The removal of entrance exams does not mean the quality of lawyers will be diminished. We should still put measures in place to produce the best lawyers comparable around the world,” he said.

Adding his voice to the discussion, veteran jurist Dr Nana Susubiribi Krobea Asante stressed the importance of distinguishing between maintaining high standards and restricting access.

“While standards must not be compromised, professional legal training should not be limited to a single institution. Alternative training models can still preserve quality while giving more opportunities,” he said.

Dr Emmanuel Arthur, who is the CEO and Provost of Lancaster University Ghana, emphasised the need for legal systems and training programs to evolve with society.

“Society changes, and our laws and legal education must adapt accordingly. Reforms should be based on informed and well-thought-out processes, not the whims of individuals,” he said.

Head of the Law Department, Francis Botchway, also described the summit as the first in a series of quarterly discussions aimed at shaping the future of legal education in Ghana.

“These engagements will bring together academia, students, and industry players to ensure that reforms balance access, quality, and relevance in our legal system,” he said.

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