By Joyce Danso
Accra, July 3, GNA – The Legal Aid Commission is preparing to offer 24-hour legal services to improve access to justice, in line with its constitutional mandate under Article 294.
“We are looking at how best we can have a 24-hour Call Centre where we will have lawyers on call to offer legal advice. This is one of our constitutional responsibilities in line with Article 294,” said Mr. Edmund Amarkwei Foley, Executive Director of the Commission.
He made the remarks at the Greater Accra Regional Bar’s Law Week celebration in Accra.
It was held under the theme: “The Future-Fit Lawyer: Enhancing Technology, Entrepreneurship, Excellence and Service to the Community.”
Mr. Foley said the Commission was exploring collaboration with the Greater Accra Bar to deliver “call-in services” and support the government’s broader policy of extending legal services to a 24-hour model.
He noted that both institutions had been in discussions on expanding “access to justice to those in need of justice and to those who cry that there is no justice for the poor.”
“We are poised to ensure that the impression is changed.
“I join hands with the executives of Bar Association to say that let us work together as we seek to provide pro bono services and highly subsidized legal services through our collaboration,” he stated.
Mr. Foley also emphasised the Commission’s commitment to women’s access to justice.
He announced plans for a women-focused legal aid initiative during its Legal Aid Week in October.
“Women would be the focus of the Commission’s week in October this year.
“We want to expand legal aid provision to women,” he said, appealing to lawyers to support the initiative.
Citing a Ghana Statistical Service multidimensional poverty report, Mr. Foley revealed that about seven million Ghanaians—24 percent of the population—live in multidimensional poverty.
“The Legal Aid Commission in considering that and in conducting a merit and means test, it means that all those people when they were in need of justice the Commission would have to deliver,” he said.
Despite having fewer than 50 lawyers, Mr. Foley said the Commission benefits from the support of the Bar Association, which could potentially provide 5,000 lawyers.
“There is nothing beyond our reach when it comes to giving justice to those who deserve it most,” he stated.
Mr. Foley reaffirmed the Commission’s alignment with the vision of the Greater Accra Regional Bar and the Ghana Bar Association to increase access to justice for all.
He described justice as a core virtue central to both national and spiritual life, noting that lawyers play a unique role as channels through which justice is delivered, especially when serving as judges.
Mr. Foley urged lawyers to reflect on their professional oath, which should motivate them to serve society better.
He said the Law Week should inspire all lawyers to give more back to society; in appreciation of the invaluable fulfillment they gain from serving their civic responsibilities.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Sackey