By Stephen Asante
Accra, Nov. 06, GNA – President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has officially opened the maiden Public Sector Lawyers’ Conference in Accra, emphasizing the government’s commitment to expanding the expertise of Ghana’s public sector legal professionals.
He said the conference aligned with the vision to address crucial emerging legal trends vital for participants’ growth and proficiency.
The three-day event covers a range of important topics, including legal coordination, contract management, arbitration, dispute resolution in the public sector, ethical practices in law, and developments in international dispute resolution.
A team of experts will also be deliberating on public procurement, criminal law arbitration, private-public partnerships, as well as promoting collaboration and review of the current legal framework governing private-public partnership.
President Nana Akufo-Addo said the deliberate attempt by his administration to resource the Office of the Attorney-General (AG) had paid off.
“Today, we are seeing a transformed Office, one with competency and resources to champion Ghana’s position internationally,” he said of the progress made by lawyers at the Office in relation to defending the nation’s interest in international disputes.
He added that this shift towards self-reliance was a testimony of “the belief in our own legal profession”, a journey towards building a legal service fit for the 21st Century.
By enhancing Ghanaian lawyers’ expertise on international collateral arbitration, investors’ arbitration and contractual negotiation, the country had not only reduced disputes, but also alleviated the financial burden associated with engaging foreign lawyers, the President noted.
The maiden competency-based public sector lawyers’ conference is being held on the theme, “Coordinating Legally for an Efficient and Cohesive Public Service”.
It is being held under the auspices of the Office of the Attorney-General and Ministry of Justice, and the expected outcomes include setting up a legal research hub to review and advise on the legal framework of the public sector.
The conference will produce a report on best practices for lawyers in promoting efficient and effective public service.
Mr. Godfred Yeboah-Dame, the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, said the programme was targeting lawyers from all Ministries and Agencies in the public sector.
On the relevance of the programme, he indicated that the critical role of lawyers in the public sector could not be overlooked, therefore, there was the need for continuous training to deepen their knowledge and skills.
GNA