Attorney-General launches Public Defenders Division of Legal Aid Commission
As one of the three divisions created by the new Legal Aid Commission Act, 2018 (Act 977), the Public Defenders Division will essentially provide crucial legal assistance to persons who are unable to afford the cost of legal representation.
The Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Godfred Dame yesterday, launched the Ghana Public Defenders Division, one of the three major divisions of the Legal Aid Commission.
As one of the three divisions created by the new Legal Aid Commission Act, 2018 (Act 977), the Public Defenders Division will essentially provide legal assistance and criminal defence services to persons who are unable to afford the cost of legal representation.
In addition, the creation of the Public Defenders Division gives effect to Articles 14, 17, 19, and 294 of the 1992 Constitution, which borders on personal liberties, equality, fair trial, and access to justice.
“I will admonish the Public Defenders Division not to consider itself as an extension of the government that hires them and only work to support its interests. This is not the intent of public defence. Public Defenders are hired to defend the underprivileged members of the Ghanaian public, not their state employers," Mr. Dame said in his speech.
While acknowledging the challenges faced by the Legal Aid Commission, Mr. Dame reassured of efforts to provide the Commission with a new office.
“After the Law House (the new office for Ministry of Justice), the construction of which is set to be completed this year, with the help of the Almighty, I will ensure that land is acquired for the construction of a permanent office for the Legal Aid Commission,” Mr. Dame said.
The launch was also attended by Justice of the Supreme Court and Board Chairman of the Legal Aid Commission, Justice Nene Amegatcher; Deputy A-G, Diana Asonaba Dapaah; Director of the US Department of Justice’s Access to Justice Office (AJT), Rachel Rossi; Acting Executive Director of Legal Aid Commission, Ellen Sowa, the Acting Director of the Public Defenders Division, Nelson M Kporha, and others.
