AG swears in Law Reform C'ssion board, urges innovative review of Ghana’s laws
Speaking in Accra last Wednesday while administering the oath of office to the board, Dr Ayine described the commission as a key pillar in the country’s governance framework, noting that a number of major post-independence laws were shaped through its work.
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Attorney-General and Justice Minister Dr Dominic Akuritinga Ayine has tasked the newly inaugurated Governing Board of the Law Reform Commission to pursue bold, forward-looking legal reforms that keep pace with Ghana’s evolving social and economic realities.
Speaking in Accra last Wednesday while administering the oath of office to the board, Dr Ayine described the commission as a key pillar in the country’s governance framework, noting that a number of major post-independence laws were shaped through its work.
The nine-member board is chaired by Supreme Court Justice Janapare Adzua Bartels-Kodwo. Other members are Victor Kwadjoga Adawudu, Marian Karina Nanorki Darlington, Fredrica Sala Iliasu, Godwin Adagewine, Mark Ziwu, Prof James Baba Abugre, Kweku Ansa Asare, and Baba Sadique Zankawah.
Established under NRCD 325 (1975), the commission is responsible for the systematic development, modernisation and reform of Ghana’s statutory and customary laws.
Its functions include researching legal inconsistencies, recommending repeal of obsolete enactments, simplifying legal rules and advising state institutions on reform priorities.
Dr Ayine said the commission’s role is even more central as government pursues a broader reset of state institutions and democratic foundations.
He encouraged the board to be innovative in delivering its mandate, arguing that creativity will be needed to spot weaknesses in current laws and align them with modern governance and economic conditions.
The Attorney-General said the commission is expected to play a significant role in implementing proposals emerging from the Constitution Review Committee.
He said a Constitution Review Implementation Committee — yet to be announced — will work with the Law Reform Commission to convert accepted proposals into legislation.
Dr Ayine explained that:
changes to entrenched provisions will require a referendum, while
changes to non-entrenched provisions can be done through parliamentary amendments, where the commission’s technical input will be critical.
While acknowledging constraints such as limited funding and logistics, Dr Ayine said government remains committed to supporting the commission, and urged the board to develop clear programmes and cost them properly to ease resource mobilisation.
Responding on behalf of members, Justice Bartels-Kodwo thanked the government for the confidence placed in them and said the board would work to align Ghana’s laws with national development priorities.
