Lawyers to strike

Lawyers of Legal Aid Scheme have hinted of an impending strike action if government fails to expedite immediate action on their poor working conditions in the country.

The lawyers, who are the least paid among lawyers engaged full-time by various state institutions, blamed the dwindling numbers of lawyers in the department to the poor remuneration which has also resulted in the lack of interest in young lawyers to be recruited into the service.

The Northern Regional Director of Legal Aid, Issah Mahmud who gave the hint in an exclusive interview with kasapafmonline.com disclosed that the highest paid lawyer under the scheme receives GH¢1,500 compared to lawyers in other public sector establishments who receive double the amount as their least .

“The condition of service of lawyers in the legal aid scheme is terrible.” Aside the fact that the salary structure is a disincentive; he disclosed that other entitlements are in arrears of over 6 months, further having a toll on the livelihood of lawyers under the scheme.

Mr. Mahmud called for equitable treatment of lawyers in various state-owned institutions indicating that it was the only way to attract young lawyers to the scheme.