Vice President Opoku-Agyemang calls for stronger support to Legal Aid Commission in advancing justice for women and girls

The Vice President of the Republic of Ghana, H.E. Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, has underscored the government’s resolve to strengthen the nation’s justice system by ensuring that every woman and girl can access justice, irrespective of economic or social barriers.

Speaking at the official launch of the 2025 Legal Aid Week Celebration at the Kempinski Hotel, Gold Coast City–Accra, on Monday, October 27, 2025, the Vice President—represented by Mrs. Marietta Brew Appiah-Oppong, Legal Counsel to the President—commended the Legal Aid Commission for its continuous work in defending the rights of the poor, marginalized, and vulnerable.

“Our commitment to access to justice is not only a constitutional imperative but also a global responsibility,” Professor Opoku-Agyemang said.

“By ensuring that justice is accessible to the poor and marginalized, the Commission contributes directly to peace, stability, and good governance—the pillars upon which national development depends.”

She highlighted Ghana’s leadership on the African continent in promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment through law and policy.

She cited the country’s ratification of the Maputo Protocol and the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) as significant milestones that have guided national reforms such as the Affirmative Action Gender Equality Act, 2024 (Act 1121).

However, she acknowledged that many women and girls still face real obstacles in seeking justice.

“While the Legal Aid Commission has made remarkable progress, it continues to face serious resource constraints,” she said.

“I call on all partners to contribute generously to the Legal Aid Fund and to collaborate in strengthening our justice delivery system.”

This year’s Legal Aid Week is themed “The Role of the Legal Aid Commission in Enhancing Access to Justice for Women and Girls in Ghana: Harnessing the Maputo Protocol.”

The celebration, which runs from October 27 to November 2, 2025, focuses on advancing women’s rights and amplifying the significance of the Maputo Protocol, which marks its 20th anniversary this year.

The Executive Director of the Legal Aid Commission, Mr. Edmund Amarkwei Foley, outlined the Commission’s progress and plans to deepen access to justice nationwide. Established under the Legal Aid Commission Act, 2018 (Act 977), the institution operates across all 10 regions with 45 district offices and a staff strength of 193.

“Our mandate is to make justice accessible to all persons, regardless of status or income,” Mr. Foley said.

“Through legal advice, representation, and public education, we continue to bridge the gap between the law and the people.”

He announced the imminent launch of a 24-hour Legal Aid Call Centre as part of government’s 24-hour economic policy, which will provide continuous legal assistance to the public.

He also disclosed that Gender Desks are being established in regional offices to prioritize cases involving women, children, and persons with disabilities. “Inspired by the words of Dr. James Aggrey that ‘if you educate a woman, you educate a nation,’ we believe that if we get justice for her, we achieve progress for all,” he emphasized.

Representing the German Development Cooperation (GIZ), Dr. Stefano Kareklas commended Ghana’s strides in improving access to justice and reiterated Germany’s support through the Promotion of Rule of Law and Judiciary in Africa Project.

“Legal aid is a cornerstone of human rights,” he stated. “When justice is inaccessible because of cost or complexity, inequality thrives.

Our task is to make justice real, affordable, and meaningful for every woman and girl in Ghana.”

Adding a continental perspective, Hon. Commissioner Janet Ramatoulie Sallah-Njie, Vice Chairperson of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) and Country Rapporteur for Ghana, including Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Women in Africa, applauded Ghana’s efforts in domesticating the Maputo Protocol and using the Legal Aid Commission as a tool for promoting human rights.

In a message delivered on her behalf, she said: “By placing legal aid within the human rights paradigm, the Protocol makes it imperative for the state to ensure that legal aid is available, accessible, and effective for women.”

She urged the government to continue increasing resource allocation to the Commission to sustain its impact.

Also lending her voice, Dr. Brenda Akia, Vice Chair and Rapporteur of the UN CEDAW Committee, called for greater synergy between CEDAW and the Maputo Protocol to address persistent legal and social barriers facing women.

“The cost of justice is still too high for many women,” she cautioned.

“We must make legal aid not just available, but economically feasible, especially for women in rural and disadvantaged communities.”

The 2025 Legal Aid Week marks the return of the Commission’s nationwide legal awareness campaign—revived for the first time in almost a decade.

The programme features legal clinics, roadshows, school outreach activities, and public education sessions, all centered on empowering women and girls with knowledge of their legal rights.

Supported by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) through GIZ, the initiative aligns with Ghana’s drive to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 16, which promotes peace, justice, and strong institutions.

In closing, Mrs. Appiah-Oppong, speaking on behalf of the Vice President, declared the 2025 Legal Aid Week officially launched, describing it as “a springboard to make justice a lived reality for every Ghanaian woman and girl.”

The Legal Aid Commission of Ghana, established under Act 977, continues to offer free legal advice, representation, and education to indigent and vulnerable persons in both civil and criminal cases.

Its work reflects Ghana’s constitutional and international commitment to ensuring equal access to justice for all.

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