The Director of Legal Education and the Ghana School of Law (GSL), Professor Raymond Atuguba, has reaffirmed the School's pivotal role in implementing Ghana's reformed legal education framework, stressing its readiness and unrivalled expertise to deliver the Pre-Bar Course.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony of the Ghana School of Law's Criminal Prosecution and Litigation Short Course in Accra on Friday, July 31, Professor Atuguba described the commencement of the Pre-Bar Course as an important milestone under the Legal Education Act, 2026 (Act 1170) and explained why the Ghana School of Law remains best positioned to administer the programme.

"Following the enactment of the Legal Education Act, 2026 (Act 1170), the Ghana School of Law will commence its Pre-Bar Course in September this year, marking the beginning of a new pathway to professional legal training under Ghana's reformed legal education framework," he said.

Professor Atuguba told participants that the Ghana School of Law's long-standing experience in professional legal education makes it the natural institution to deliver the programme.

"Permit me to say, without hesitation, why the Ghana School of Law remains the natural home for this programme," he said.

He pointed to the School's legacy of more than six decades of training lawyers who have excelled on the Bench, at the Bar, in academia, public service and corporate practice.

"Ours is Ghana's legacy institution for professional legal education. For over six decades, this School has trained generations of lawyers who have gone on to distinguish themselves on the Bench, at the Bar, in academia, public service and corporate practice. That heritage is built not merely on history but on proven excellence," the Director stated.

He further explained that the School's experience predates the recent legal education reforms because the subjects that now make up the Pre-Bar Course had long been taught as part of its Professional Law Course.

"Long before the recent reforms, the very subjects that now constitute the Pre-Bar Course formed part of the School's Professional Law Course. Our faculty therefore brings unmatched experience, tested teaching methods and an established record of preparing students for professional legal training," he said.

Describing the significance of the programme, Professor Atuguba noted that the Pre-Bar Course serves as the bridge between academic legal education and professional practice.

"The Pre-Bar Course is not simply another academic programme; it is the essential foundation upon which aspiring lawyers begin their journey towards the Law Practice Training Programme, the National Bar Examination and, ultimately, Call to the Bar," he emphasised.

He concluded by expressing confidence in the institution's ability to continue leading professional legal education in Ghana.

"For every eligible LLB graduate seeking the strongest possible preparation for professional legal training, the Ghana School of Law remains the institution of choice," he said.

The Director also unveiled new professional development opportunities for the graduating class, announcing an intensive one-week programme on Comparative Prosecutorial Practice at Columbia Law School in New York next year.

Professor Atuguba made the remarks during the graduation and closing ceremony of the Criminal Prosecution and Litigation Course, where participants drawn from institutions across Ghana's justice sector were honoured for successfully completing the programme.

The ceremony also saw the Director congratulate the graduates and encourage them to remain committed to professionalism, integrity and lifelong learning as they contribute to strengthening the administration of criminal justice in Ghana.