Prof. Peter Atudiwe Atupare appointed Dean of UG Sch of Law

The University of Ghana School of Law has ushered in a new chapter in its storied history with the appointment of Professor Peter Atudiwe Atupare as its new Dean. The announcement, made via the School’s official social media channels, was met with widespread enthusiasm, heralding the arrival of a scholar whose legal intellect and leadership promise to shape the next generation of Ghanaian jurisprudence.

Prof. Atupare takes over from Prof. Raymond A. Atuguba, who served from 2019 to 2024, a tenure marked by bold institutional reforms and strengthened academic programs. As he steps into this influential role, Prof. Atupare is widely seen as a fitting successor, lauded for his commitment to academic excellence, his deep understanding of legal principles, and his dynamic vision for legal education in Ghana.

An impressive academic trajectory

Prof. Atupare’s academic journey is nothing short of remarkable. He holds a PhD in Law and an LL.M. (Thesis Option) from Queen’s University in Canada, and a Master’s degree in Comparative Politics from Brock University. His Ghanaian credentials are equally robust, with a B.L. from the Ghana School of Law, an LL.B. from the University of Ghana, and a First Class Honours B.A. in Political Science, also from the University of Ghana.

Credentials

• B.A. (First Class Honours, Political Science) – University of Ghana, 2003
• L.L.B. (Hons. 2nd Upper Class Division) – University of Ghana, 2006
• M.A. (Comparative Politics) – Brock University, Canada, 2007
• LL.M. (Thesis Option) – Faculty of Law, Queen’s University, Canada, 2008
• PhD (Law) – Faculty of Law, Queen’s University, Canada, 2011
• B.L. – Ghana School of Law, 2013

Areas of expertise

• Criminal Law
• Constitutional Law
• Administrative Law
• Human Rights
• Private International Law
• Law of Torts
• Jurisprudence and Legal Ethics

This rich educational background has equipped him with both theoretical depth and practical insight. His dual grounding in law and political science has informed his holistic approach to legal scholarship, enabling him to navigate and interrogate the intersections of law, governance, and society.

Expertise and scholarship

Renowned for his expertise in Criminal Law, Constitutional Law, Administrative Law, and Human Rights, Prof. Atupare has become a respected voice not just in Ghana, but across global legal circles. His additional specializations include Private International Law, the Law of Torts, Jurisprudence, and Legal Ethics—fields in which he has taught, published, and shaped debate.

His contributions to legal scholarship are extensive. He has authored several books and numerous peer-reviewed articles, particularly in the areas of Constitutional Theory and Human Rights, areas where his voice continues to influence public discourse and legal reform.

A visionary leader for a critical moment

The timing of Prof. Atupare’s appointment is significant. Legal education in Ghana is at a crossroads, facing challenges ranging from access and equity to evolving pedagogical demands in an increasingly digital world. With his deep academic grounding and visionary leadership, Prof. Atupare is expected to bring renewed energy and direction to the School of Law.

Faculty, students, and alumni alike have expressed optimism about his leadership. Many point to his collegial nature, scholarly rigor, and commitment to justice as key qualities that will strengthen the School’s role as a center of excellence in legal education and research.

In a statement following the announcement, the University of Ghana School of Law said, “We are excited about the future under Prof. Atupare’s leadership and confident that he will continue to elevate the institution’s standing both locally and internationally.”

A path forward

As Dean, Prof. Atupare is poised to lead with clarity of purpose and an unwavering commitment to the rule of law and democratic values. His appointment is not just a personal milestone but a defining moment for legal education in Ghana. In him, the School of Law has found a steward who embodies its enduring mission: to train lawyers who are not only skilled in legal reasoning but also guided by principles of justice, ethics, and public service.

The University community extends its heartfelt congratulations to Prof. Peter Atudiwe Atupare. With his appointment, the future of legal education in Ghana looks both promising and profoundly inspiring.