The Director of Legal Education and the Ghana School of Law, His Lordship Justice Nana Barima Yaw Kodie Oppong J.A., will step down from his position effective August 31, 2025.
The decision marks an unexpected end to the respected jurist’s four-year term, surprising many lecturers, students, and stakeholders in Ghana’s legal education sector.
Justice Oppong, widely acknowledged as an authority in Land Law and a long-serving lecturer at both faculty and practical course levels, had spearheaded several initiatives during his tenure, including securing prime land in Kumasi for a future campus.
Farewell message expresses disappointment
In a message to students, the Manwerehene of Akyem Abuakwa expressed disappointment over the abrupt termination of his term, but urged them to fully support the incoming leadership.
“I encourage all of you to extend even greater respect, cooperation, and support to my successor,” he said, signalling a commitment to a smooth transition despite his personal misgivings.
Council’s appointment powers
Under the Legal Profession Act 1960 (Act 32), the General Legal Council is empowered to oversee legal education and appoint the Director of Legal Education.
The law states that the Council is responsible for the organisation of legal education and has the authority to make such appointments, in some cases based on recommendations from the sitting director.
Atuguba set to take the helm
Barring any last-minute changes, former Dean of the University of Ghana School of Law, Professor Raymond A. Atuguba, is expected to be appointed as the next Director of the Ghana School of Law and Director of Legal Education.
Sources indicate the appointment will be confirmed by the General Legal Council ahead of the new legal year and the annual call to the bar in October.
Prof. Atuguba, known for his reformist and innovative approach to legal education, recently concluded his tenure as Dean, succeeded by Professor Peter Atudiwe Atupare.
He is expected to bring extensive academic, public sector, and international consultancy experience to the role.
Profile of Prof. Atuguba
A faculty member at the University of Ghana since 2002, Prof. Atuguba has taught at institutions across Africa, Europe, North America, and Australia, covering over 40 courses.
He was a Visiting Professor of Law and Henry J. Steiner Visiting Professor of Human Rights at Harvard Law School in 2018–2019.
A graduate of the University of Ghana and Harvard Law School, he has served as Executive Secretary to the President of Ghana, led Law and Development Associates (LADA), and co-founded the Legal Resources Centre.
He has consulted for governments across Africa and for international organisations including the UN, World Bank, AU, and USAID.
Stakeholders say the leadership transition comes at a crucial time, as the Ghana School of Law navigates rising student numbers, calls for curriculum reform, and debates over the expansion of campuses.
Whether Prof. Atuguba’s appointment will accelerate reforms or usher in new policy directions will be closely watched when the legal year begins in October.
