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Ghana's legal education system requires significant reform, says former Director of Legal Education
via GhanaWeb3 min read
Kwaku Ansa-Asare, a former Director of Legal Education, has called for major reforms in Ghana's legal training system, stating that the current framework, largely inherited from the English system, no longer serves the country's evolving social and economic realities. Speaking at a public lecture at MountCrest University College in Accra, Ansa-Asare highlighted a disconnect between theoretical academic training and practical professional skills, suggesting that urgent reforms are needed to prevent a weakening of justice delivery. He advocated for stronger clinical legal education, allowing students hands-on experience similar to medical training, to bridge the gap between theory and practice. Ansa-Asare also raised concerns about political influence hindering meaningful reform and the unresolved structural issues preventing law graduates from professional qualification. Carl Stychin, Director of the Institute of Advanced Legal Studies at the University of London, shared insights from the UK, noting that while access to legal education expanded, professional training opportunities did not keep pace, and highlighted the commercialization of legal education. Abdul-Rashid Pelpuo, Minister of Labour, Jobs and Employment, expressed optimism about ongoing reforms, particularly the Legal Education Reform Act 2025, which aims to ease frustrations faced by law students. This new act introduces significant changes, including ending the Ghana School of Law's monopoly on professional trai
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Ghana's health financing system is recognized as one of the most impressive among lower-middle-income countries, attracting international attention, according to Dr. Senanu Kwesi Djokoto, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the National Health Insurance Authority NHIA. Countries like Chad and Ethiopia are scheduled to visit Ghana to study its National Health Insurance Scheme NHIS. Dr. Djokoto made these remarks at an academic symposium on sustainable financing for primary healthcare in Ho. He highlighted Ghana's significant progress in healthcare financing since the NHIS's introduction in 2003, which replaced a "cash-and-carry" system where patients paid directly for services. The NHIS is funded by a 2.5% National Health Insurance Levy on VAT, 2.5% deductions from SSNIT contributions, premiums from informal sector workers, and investment income. Initially focused on curative care, the scheme now aims to expand to include preventive and promotive healthcare services through the Free Primary Healthcare initiative. This initiative will provide basic healthcare services at various community-level facilities, regardless of NHIS card possession, though referrals to higher-level hospitals will require NHIS enrollment. The government currently finances about 56% of healthcare expenditure through the NHIA, with out-of-pocket payments at 26% and development partners contributing about 4%. Ghana is also strengthening interventions for non-communicable diseases via the Ghana Medical Tr
Dr. Enam Bankas, a haematologist at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, has urged for national action to enhance mental health support and comprehensive care for individuals with sickle cell disease SCD. Speaking at a World Sickle Cell Day symposium in Accra, Dr. Bankas highlighted that the emotional and psychological burdens of SCD are frequently overlooked, despite their significant impact on patients and their families. The event, themed "Think Health: Mental Health, Wellness and Self-Care in Sickle Cell Disease," focused on psychosocial challenges, mental well-being, and self-care strategies. Dr. Bankas, who is also the Founder of Sickle Life and Co-founder of Heale, noted that while physical complications of sickle cell often receive attention, mental health issues like stigma, discrimination, bullying, and social isolation are often neglected. She pointed out that patients frequently experience health crises during academic or work periods, leading to emotional distress and unfair perceptions in the workplace. Globally, over 400,000 babies are born with SCD annually, with Ghana accounting for approximately 15,000 newborns each year. Dr. Bankas expressed concern over Ghana's limited newborn screening program, stating that 80 to 90 percent of children born with SCD may die before age five without early diagnosis and comprehensive care. She advocated for a dedicated national sickle cell program to coordinate awareness, screening, treatment, and patient support, as well as expanded
Must ReadThe Madina Divisional Police Command is investigating a shooting incident involving Sarah Adwoa Safo, former Dome-Kwabenya Member of Parliament. On Sunday, June 21, 2026, Safo reported sustaining a gunshot injury to her left ear while visiting her late father's residence in Kwabenya, Greater Accra Region. She subsequently reported the incident to the Kwabenya Police and presented a vehicle, registration number GN 3482-24, with visible gunshot damage. According to a statement signed by Superintendent Juliana Obeng, Head of Public Affairs for the Accra Region, Safo has been issued a Police Medical Report Form and is receiving medical treatment. The vehicle has been retained for forensic examination as investigations continue to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident. Sarah Adwoa Safo is the daughter of the late Apostle Dr Ing. Kwadwo Safo Kantanka, founder of the Kristo Asafo Mission and the Kantanka Group of Companies, who passed away on September 11, 2025.