Government commits GHC2 million to Law Reform and Legal Aid Commissions’ Funds
The government has committed an initial seed fund of GHC2 million to the newly established Law Reform Commission (LRC) Fund and Legal Aid Commission (LAC) Fund. The two funds according to President Akufo-Addo, will receive GHC1 million each.
In his keynote address at the official launch of the Law Reform Fund and the Legal Aid Fund at the auditorium of the law court complex Wednesday10 August 2022, President Akufo-Addo said he will also make a personal donation of GHC100,000.00 each to both funds.
“I am hopeful that the launch of these funds will usher in a progressive chapter in the lives of the two Commissions.”
“I urge all gathered here to contribute generously to the fund and I assure the Attorney General that the Minister for Finance through Parliament will provide more adequate resources for the sustenance of these funds,” President Akufo-Addo said.
“I am personally contributing GHC100,000 to each of the funds and I am aware that government through the Ministry of Finance, is contrivance initial modest seed fund of GHC1 million to each of the funds. Hopefully, the minister will do even more,” Akufo-Addo added.
Efficient management
In his address, President Akufo-Addo charged the management and boards of the two Commissions to ensure that they employ prudent measures in the management and disbursement of the funds that will flow into their respective funds.
“I also urge the board of the legal aid Commission which is chaired by e respected Justice of the Supreme Court, Mr Justice Nene Amegatcher, and the board of the Law Reform Commission, which is chaired by the prominent legal practitioner, Mr Anthony Akoto Ampaw, to discharge faithfully, dutifully, the mandates of managing the funds in accordance with section 34 of Act 977 and section 13 of Act 822 respectfully” President Akufo-Addo said.
Delightful development
Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Godfred Yeboah Dame, in his welcome remarks noted that the establishment of the two funds is a welcome and delightful development in the history of legal services and Justice delivery in Ghana.
“Mr President, the activity we are about to perform this morning holds serious implications for justice delivery in Ghana. Legal Aid is a catalyst for equality, justice and fairness in society. The Law Reform Commission has the ability to transform the laws of Ghana in tune with modern trends” the AG said.
“I am grateful for the patronage we have received for this programme. Representatives of various institutions of state are here the diplomatic corps, civil society organisations, various development partners and stakeholders in the work of the Ofice of the Attorney-General and Ministry of Justice, senior legal practitioners, former Attorneys-General.”
“I am grateful for your attendance. Your generous contributions after the funds have been set up, will greatly assist in the attainment of the objects of the two Commissions” the Attorney General Godfred Yeboah Dame added.
Extra financing
The board chairman of the Law Reform Commission, Anthony Akoto Ampaw, and board chairman of the Legal Aid Commission, Justice Nene Amegatcher, in their brief statements, registered their appreciation to the Attorney General’s office for opperationalizing the provisions under the respective laws that set up their Commissions.
They urged the Minister for Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta, to commit more finances to the Law Reform Commission and Legal Aid Commission funds.
Legal Reform Commission
According to the Legal Reform Commission Act, 1975 N.R.C.D. 325, the object of the Commission is to promote law reform.
The Commission is mandated to keep under review the law, both statutory and otherwise with a view to its systematic development and reform including, in particular, the modification of the law, the elimination of anomalies, the repeal of obsolete and unnecessary enactments, the reduction of the number of separate enactments, and generally, the simplification and modernisation of the law.
The Commission is also required to receive and consider proposals which may be made or referred to the Commission for the reform of the law.
Legal Aid Commission
The Legal Aid Commission exist to be the leading agency delivering professional and quality legal services to the poor while partnering harmoniously with stakeholders in the justice system to achieve a just and equitable Ghanaian Society.
As part of its mission, the Legal Aid Commission is to ensure equality of access to justice and treatment before the law by serving as a Public Defender for the poor in need of cost effective justice.
As part of its mandate, the Legal Aid Commission is required to establish sufficient presence in all districts in the country to ensure legal aid is accessible to the indigent in need of legal services.
