Dr Dominic Ayine, Minister of Justice and Attorney-General, has urged the Governing Board of the Law Reform Commission (LRC) to ensure that Ghana’s law reform agenda supports national development and social justice.
He said the Government’s Reset Agenda placed strong emphasis on institutional reform and effectiveness.
Dr Ayine made the call when he swore into office a nine-member Governing Board of the LRC at the Law House in Accra.
He stated that the Government’s Reset Agenda placed emphasis on institutional reform and efficiency, and within that framework, the Law Reform Commission had the responsibility to ensure that national laws supported development and upheld social justice.
The LRC plays a critical role in reviewing and modernising Ghana’s laws to ensure they remain relevant, responsive and aligned with contemporary realities.
The Minister noted that effective law reform was essential to good governance, economic progress, and public confidence in the administration of justice.
He said he was mindful of operational challenges confronting the Commission, including leadership gaps, resource constraints, inadequate equipment and staffing, limited access to research materials and delays in programme funding.
“These challenges affect the Commission’s effectiveness, but they also define the task before this new Governing Board. I assure you of my full support and look forward to working closely with the Board to address these challenges and advance the work of the Commission,” he said.
Dr Ayine told board members that they were expected to provide strategic leadership, support management, and work closely with the Ministry to prioritise solutions, mobilise resources, and strengthen institutional capacity.
“Your role is central to repositioning the Commission to deliver on its mandate,” he added.
Dr Ayine disclosed that the Constitutional Review Commission had submitted its report to the President, who had directed the establishment of a Constitutional Review Implementation Committee (CREL).
He explained that the CREL would begin work on proposals to amend the Constitution to make it a more effective governance instrument.
“The CREL will be announced sometime this week, and I am hoping the LRC will be an integral part of the work of that committee,” he said.
The Minister said that entrenched provisions of the Constitution would be subjected to a referendum, while non-entrenched provisions would be amended through legislation in Parliament.
Additionally, the Drafting Division of the Ministry of Justice would play a key role in preparing the constitutional amendments.
Justice Janapare Bartels-Kodwo, a Supreme Court Judge and Chairperson of the Governing Board, said the Board would discharge its responsibilities with “all seriousness.”
“We will do all that it takes within our capacity to ensure that the laws of this country are reformed to align with the national agenda,” he said.
Other members of the Board are Mr Adawudu Victor Kwadjoga, Marian Karina Nanorki Darlington, Kweku Ansa Asare and Fredrica S. Illiasu, all lawyers. The remaining members are Mr Mark Ziwu, Baba Sadique Korkortiakor Zankwawah, Godwin Adagewine and Professor James Baba Abugre