Former Dean of the University of Ghana School of Law, Prof Raymond Atuguba, has been appointed Acting Director of Legal Education at the General Legal Council.

His appointment, effective September 1, follows the recall of Justice B.Y.K. Oppong from the role.

A letter signed by Acting Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie stated that Justice Oppong, a Justice of the Court of Appeal, is being reassigned to focus fully on judicial duties.

Prof. Atuguba will lead the Council’s legal education administration while a search is undertaken for a permanent Director of Legal Education.

The Acting Chief Justice commended Justice Oppong for his “significant contribution” to professional legal training during his tenure.

Prof Atuguba's appointment is expected to drive a new direction for the council.

His opinions prior to this have been intense as he believes many of Ghana’s laws are outmoded and makes it difficult for people to adhere to ethical principles in the corporate world, particularly the banking sector.

“Our laws are not in tune with the times; how do you determine ethics with such a legal framework?” he questioned at an event in February 2024.

Prof. Atuguba said the country still had about 10 English laws in its statutes passed between 1539 and 1863.

He said since the laws, including the Bills of Exchange Act, 1961 (ACT 55), were passed years ago, there had been significant developments which required that new laws were passed to align with current trends but that had not been done.

His presentation was on the topic: “Ethics, financial conduct and the political economy in Ghana and other emerging markets”.