The Government of Ghana is preparing to introduce a Legal Practitioners’ Standards Board Bill aimed at reforming professional standards and disciplinary procedures within the legal profession.
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Dr Dominic Ayine announced the proposed legislation during the 2026 Ghana Bar Association Conference in Ada. The proposal would establish an independent statutory body responsible for setting and maintaining standards of professional conduct and continuing competence for lawyers.
According to the Attorney-General, the proposed body would operate at arm’s length from his office and the government. A separate Independent Disciplinary Committee would handle complaints against legal practitioners.
The proposed framework would also provide procedural safeguards for lawyers facing disciplinary proceedings, including the right to know the allegations against them, the right to be heard and the right to appeal sanctions before the courts.
Dr Ayine said the reform is intended to address concerns over delays and the operation of the existing disciplinary system. He also said the proposed structure would give the legal profession greater ownership of professional regulation.
The announcement comes as Ghana’s legal profession continues discussions about professional independence, disciplinary accountability and the relationship between regulatory institutions and the state.
The government is expected to undertake stakeholder consultations before the proposed legislation proceeds through the legislative process.
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