Lawyers urged to embrace change to remain Relevant

Justice Yaa Onyameye Gyakobo, delivering the keynote address on behalf of the Acting Chief Justice, has called on legal practitioners across the country to undertake deep introspection and evolve with the times to become “future-fit lawyers.”

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Greater Accra Regional Bar Law Week 2025 on Wednesday in Accra, Justice Gyakobo noted that the legal profession, like many others, is undergoing a transformation driven by digitalization, changing client expectations, and increasing demands for efficiency, innovation, and accessibility.

“Today’s client demands not just legal soundness but also speed, efficiency, and a grasp of how the law intersects with social context. The traditional image of the lawyer confined to brick and mortar must give way to a more versatile, technologically adept, and client-centered professional.”

Justice Gyakobo emphasized the judiciary’s commitment to modernization, citing the ongoing expansion of the e-Justice system aimed at improving efficiency and accessibility in justice delivery. However, she cautioned that technology is only as effective as those who use it, urging lawyers to embrace a culture of continuous learning and adopt an entrepreneurial mindset.

“A future-fit lawyer must be proficient in digital tools, open to innovation, and committed to lifelong learning. The law is not a private enterprise—we must also recommit to pro bono work and mentoring the next generation of lawyers,” she said.

National President of the Ghana Bar Association, Efua Ghartey, also addressed participants, urging lawyers to uphold the highest ethical standards and avoid conduct that could land them before a disciplinary committee. She echoed the call for embracing technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship to remain relevant in the evolving legal landscape.

Mrs. Ghartey further encouraged members of the Bar to continue offering free legal services to underserved communities who cannot afford legal representation.

Lawyers were encouraged to attend at least four Continuing Professional Development (CPD) sessions annually, master their craft, and uphold discipline, professionalism, and community service.

Initiatives such as public education on intestate succession and community outreach—like drilling boreholes in underserved areas—were highlighted as examples of meaningful engagement.

President of the Greater Accra Regional Bar, Isabel Boaten, delivered a heartfelt and reflective address on the journey that led to this significant moment.

“The future is not ahead of us, it is already here. Our theme, ‘The Future-Fit Lawyer: Embracing Technology, Entrepreneurship, Excellence and Service to the Community,’ is not just aspirational, it’s essential,” Isabel Boaten said.

Isabel Boaten highlighted the power and potential of Greater Accra’s over 6,700 lawyers, comprising 3,601 men and 3,086 women, and challenged them to lead the transformation in legal service delivery.

“If even 40% of us – about 2,400 lawyers commit to doing things differently, the impact would be explosive. When Accra sneezes, the rest of the legal profession catches cold,” she said.

She also lauded the decentralization efforts of the Ghana Bar Association and recognized the support of law firms and corporate sponsors, including headline sponsor GT Bank.

Justice, Community, and the Role of Lawyers

Edmund Amarkwei Foley, Executive Director of the Legal Aid Commission, echoed calls for inclusive legal services, stressing that over 7 million Ghanaians live in multidimensional poverty and lack access to justice.

“There is nothing beyond our reach when it comes to justice delivery. We must expand legal aid to reach women, the vulnerable, and the marginalised,” Foley said. He also revealed that the Commission is exploring the feasibility of 24-hour legal aid services, with lawyers available on call.

Tech entrepreneur and guest speaker Kofi Dadzie challenged lawyers to re-imagine themselves as product designers, developing legal services that are user-friendly, scalable and impactful.

“Excellence today is not just about what you know, but how you apply what you know,” Dadzie said.

“The future-fit lawyer must speak the language of innovation, literacy and relevance.”

This year’s event marks a historic milestone, the first-ever Regional Law Week celebration in the 67-year history of the Ghana Bar Association.

The Law Week celebration includes a range of community-focused activities, such as health screenings and legal clinics at key locations including Circle Obra Spot, Efua Sutherland Park, Ashaiman Lorry Station and Nsawam Prisons.

These events aim to boost public engagement and enhance access to justice.

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