The one-week virtual webinar, from May 15 to 22, is under the GIZ's regional project: "Promotion of the Rule of Law and Justice in Africa," in collaboration with the Ghana Bar Association (GBA) and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).

This was in a statement signed by Ms Araba Mansa Pratt, the Communications Officer of GIZ, and copied to the Ghana News Agency in Accra on Wednesday.

It said the main objective of the Rule of Law and Justice in Africa programme was to support selected African partner countries such as Ghana, Nigeria, Cote d'Ivoire and Tunisia to foster transnational dialogues on law and judiciary, access to legal redress and judicial integrity.

It is also to encourage the sharing of information to assist partner countries align their work more effectively with the 2030 Agenda.

The statement said GIZ adopted the virtual approach to its conferences and trainings due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

The objective of the conference is to promote regional and international information-sharing to further develop the reform country standards and enhance participants' networking and professional development through teachings from various renowned experts within the legal profession.

The conference will focus on topics such as COVID-19 influence on the African Free Trade Agreement, Mergers and Acquisition, International Arbitration, and Employment Law.

The statement quoted Ms Clara Schier, the GIZ Legal Advisor, as saying; "The Bar Associations are important actors within the legal systems, representing the interest of the legal profession and contributing to social progress and advancement."

"Judicial integrity is one of the most crucial requirements for implementing the laws as they are intended to. For this, we need competent and courageous lawyers who are committed to complying with the law. We have to work hard to protect and preserve the rule of law."

She was optimistic that the training would inspire the lawyers to learn from each other and work together to strengthen the rule of law across the countries.

Mr Anthony Forson, the President of the GBA, stated that the timing of the conference was opportune in view of the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the legal profession.

Mr Jonathan Gunu Taidi, a participant, on behalf of the NBA, expressed appreciation to GIZ and the GBA for the opportunity to share ideas to advance the legal profession.

More than 350 lawyers are participating in the online conference from private practice and legal departments of organisations.

This is the GIZ's first step towards establishing a network of African lawyers and a community of practice.