Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang has concluded an official working visit to the Ministry of Justice, where she reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening the nation’s legal infrastructure and addressing critical operational gaps.
During a series of briefings led by the Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Akuritinga Ayine, the Vice President was apprised of several pressing issues, including a rise in international arbitration cases and the significant financial burden posed by increasing land compensation claims against the state.
The discussions highlighted acute capacity constraints within the Legislative Drafting Department, which currently faces staffing shortages and a lack of specialized training. In response, Professor Opoku-Agyemang proposed the establishment of a dedicated training institute to build local expertise, suggesting that such a facility could eventually serve as a legal hub for the West African sub-region.
She emphasized that specialization is vital for developing home-grown solutions to Ghana’s complex legal and institutional challenges.
On the matter of ongoing legal proceedings, the Attorney General informed the Vice President that sixteen dockets are currently under review. He maintained that all prosecutorial processes, including those related to high-profile matters, are being handled with integrity, noting that no plea negotiations have been entered into and no cases have been compromised.
Furthermore, the Ministry announced the preparation of a Criminal Proceeds Recovery Bill, a legislative move designed to enhance the state’s authority to seize assets derived from criminal activities.
Addressing the Ministry’s limited geographical reach, the Vice President acknowledged the need for offices in newly created regions and the renovation of existing facilities. She noted that while these expansions are subject to funding, the government aims to grow the national resource base to support more effective budget allocations. Professor Opoku-Agyemang concluded her visit by urging the Ministry’s staff to remain steadfast, reminding them that their decisions today must not become financial or legal burdens for future generations.
Ruth Abla ADJORLOLO
