By Eric Appah Marfo
Accra, Oct. 19, GNA — Mr George Tetteh Sackey, Principal State Attorney, has underscored the need for paralegals to be given relevant skills, competent regulation and legal backing 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 said.
Mr Sackey was speaking on behalf of Mr Godfred Yeboah Dame, the Attorney-General, at the Paralegal Conference 2024 on Saturday in Accra.
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.”
The Principal State Attorney said 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.
He said paralegals were essential in bridging the gap between the marginalised in society and their inability to have access to legal services due to financial constraints.
“The contribution of paralegals can range from provision of legal aid, regulatory compliance, and the upholding of human rights. Their output can permeate a wide area of the legal profession. The contribution of paralegals to the growing area of ADR cannot be underestimated. They contribute meaningfully on the domestic and international scene in the conclusion of peaceful resolution to otherwise contentious issues,” he added.
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, said 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 said 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 said 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 said 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.
“Chiefs and Queen Mothers can join in educating their people. They must also add it to their education system, capacity building programme and workshops so that they can be educated on this. It is easy for communities to listen to their chiefs and Queen Mothers,” he added.
Dr Francisca Kusi-Appiah, Vice Dean of the University of Professional Studies, Accra, Law School, said aside financial constraints, most citizens were ignorant of the avenues to use in accessing legal services, hence resorting to radio and television stations to discuss their issues.
She also called for advocacy on ADR mechanisms which was less expensive, however, it should be done in local dialects for easy understanding.
Ms Abena Konadu Yeboah, Legal Officer, Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), urged legal entities to leverage technology to enhance access to their services.
She encouraged Ghanaians to make use of CHRAJ’s social media platforms to send in complaints and feedback and assured citizens of swift action on their cases.
GNA