GLC appoints Prof. Raymond Atuguba as Ag. Director of Legal Education

Former UG Law Dean takes over from Justice Oppong

The General Legal Council (GLC) has appointed Professor Raymond Atuguba, former Dean of the University of Ghana School of Law, as the Acting Director of Legal Education. His appointment takes effect from September 1, 2025, following the recall of Justice B.Y.K. Oppong from the position.

Justice Oppong, who is also a Justice of the Court of Appeal, is being reassigned to focus fully on his judicial duties, according to a letter signed by the Acting Chief Justice, Paul Baffoe-Bonnie.

Transition and praise for Justice Oppong

The Acting Chief Justice expressed appreciation to Justice Oppong for his “significant contribution” to professional legal training during his tenure. Justice Oppong is credited with bringing a sense of structure and oversight to legal education in Ghana during a period marked by increasing demand and scrutiny.

A new chapter in legal education leadership

Prof. Atuguba will now lead the Council’s legal education administration in an interim capacity while a search is conducted for a permanent Director. His appointment is widely seen as a move to bring reform-oriented leadership to the legal education landscape.

A scholar with bold views on legal reform

Prof. Atuguba is no stranger to bold ideas. Known for his outspoken views on Ghana’s legal framework, he has previously criticized the outdated nature of many laws in the country. Speaking at a legal and economic forum in February 2024, he remarked:

“Our laws are not in tune with the times; how do you determine ethics with such a legal framework?”

He highlighted the persistence of colonial-era legislation in Ghana’s statute books — noting that around ten English laws, dating as far back as 1539 to 1863, were still in effect. These include the Bills of Exchange Act, 1961 (Act 55), which he argued no longer reflects modern financial realities.

Advocating for legal reform in the corporate sector

In that same presentation, titled “Ethics, Financial Conduct and the Political Economy in Ghana and Other Emerging Markets”, Prof. Atuguba stressed how obsolete laws compromise ethical standards, particularly in sectors like banking and finance. He emphasized the urgent need for legal reforms to align Ghana’s regulatory systems with modern governance, ethical practices, and economic realities.

What his appointment means for legal education

With Prof. Atuguba now at the helm of the GLC’s legal education apparatus, stakeholders anticipate a renewed focus on curriculum reform, legal relevance, and ethical standards. His background in academia, legal policy, and advocacy for reform positions him to shape the future of legal education in a dynamic and impactful way.

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