Selecting the best law schools in Ghana is very important if you’re aiming to practice as a barrister, or solicitor, or pursue a role in academia or corporate law. Selecting a top-tier law school can significantly impact your career trajectory and is a crucial step for anyone aspiring to become a successful lawyer in Ghana.
In Ghana, the landscape of legal education is marked by several distinguished institutions that offer robust programs designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary for a career in law. Becoming a lawyer in Ghana involves a structured path that includes obtaining a formal education, practical training, and passing necessary examinations.
This article delves into the top 10 best law schools in Ghana, highlighting their unique strengths, academic programmes, and overall contributions to the legal field. This article will also help you to know how to become a lawyer in Ghana. By providing a comprehensive overview of these leading institutions, we aim to guide prospective law students in making informed decisions about where to pursue their legal education.
HOW TO BECOME A LAWYER IN GHANA
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to become a lawyer in Ghana:
- Obtain a Bachelor’s Degree
Educational Requirements:
High School Education: Complete secondary education with good grades, particularly in subjects like English, Social Studies, and History.
Bachelor’s Degree: Enroll in a recognized university in Ghana to obtain a Bachelor’s degree. While a degree in Law (LLB) is the most direct route, degrees in other disciplines may be acceptable if followed by a graduate LLB programme.
2. Enroll in a Law School
Enrol in the Ghana School of Law. The Ghana School of Law is the primary institution for professional legal training in Ghana. Admission requires passing the Law School Entrance Examination, which tests knowledge in subjects such as Constitutional Law, Contract Law, and Criminal Law.
Enrol in an alternative law school. Some universities offer law programs that are recognized by the General Legal Council, providing an alternative pathway to entering the legal profession.
3. Complete Professional Law Course
Professional Legal Training:
Curriculum: The Ghana School of Law offers a two-year professional law course. This program includes rigorous training in legal practice areas such as Civil Procedure, Criminal Procedure, Law of Evidence, and Advocacy.
Internships: Practical experience through internships or clerkships is often part of the training, providing hands-on experience in legal practice.
4. Pass the Bar Examination
Bar Examination:
Preparation: After completing the professional law course, candidates must prepare for the Bar Examination. This comprehensive exam assesses practical and theoretical legal knowledge.
Examination Subjects: The exam typically covers core subjects such as Civil Procedure, Criminal Procedure, Law of Evidence, and Legal Ethics.
5. Undertake Pupillage
Practical Training:
Pupillage: After passing the Bar Examination, candidates must undergo pupillage, which is a mandatory period of practical training under the supervision of a qualified lawyer. This period usually lasts six months to one year and involves practical legal work and mentorship.
6. Admission to the Bar
Call to the Bar:
Bar Admission Ceremony: Upon successful completion of pupillage, candidates are formally called to the Bar in a ceremony where they are admitted to practice law in Ghana. This is officiated by the General Legal Council.
Licensing: After the ceremony, new lawyers receive their practicing certificates, allowing them to practice as legal professionals in Ghana.
7. Continuing Professional Development
Ongoing Learning:
Mandatory CPD: Lawyers in Ghana are required to participate in Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programs to maintain their practicing status. This involves attending workshops, seminars, and other educational activities to stay updated on legal developments.
BEST LAW SCHOOLS IN GHANA
Here are the top 10 law schools in Ghana:
1. University of Ghana School of Law
2. KNUST Faculty of Law
3. UCC Faculty of Law
4. GIMPA Faculty of Law
5. UPSA Law School
6. Wisconsin International University Faculty of Law
7. Lancaster University Ghana Faculty of Law
8. Central University College Faculty of Law
9. MountCrest University College Faculty of Law
10. Ghana Institute of Advanced Legal Studies
10. GHANA INSTITUTE OF ADVANCED LEGAL STUDIES
The Ghana Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (GIALS) was established in 2006 with the express purpose of furthering human development by widening access to quality legal education, training, and research through capacity-building programmes. At the institutional level, the institute’s programmes are designed to encourage efficiency, good governance, and best practice.
The establishment of GIALS is motivated by the belief in the importance of having a legal think-tank and research facility whose functions would include engaging civil society and national institutions in legal policy dialogue as well as the needed research support for legislative advocacy and law reform in Ghana.
The current programme being offered at GIALS is a Postgraduate study in law. It is a Master Of Laws (LLM) Degree In International Business Law (Distance Learning), organized by City, University Of London.
GIALS offers teaching and complementary academic support to students interested in pursuing the degree of Master of Laws in International Business Law which is offered via Distance Learning by City, University of London. This distance learning LLM provides candidates with the legal skills and knowledge to succeed in today’s global business environment.
The Institute works in collaboration with City, and University of London to offer extra-curricular activities (including talks, seminars, masterclasses, networking events, etc). We also collaborate in research, especially projects with a Ghanaian or African context.
To be enrolled in this programme, applicants should normally hold a first degree in Law from a recognized university (lower second-class honours UK standard or higher). The tuition fee at GIALS is £9,000 for the full course, payable on a module-by-module basis.
9. MOUNTCREST UNIVERSITY COLLEGE FACULTY OF LAWS
MountCrest University College (MCU) is a private institution for higher education in Ghana, established in August 2008. MCU’s city campus is located on Ablade Road in Kanda, Accra but the main campus is situated at Ayebuso, Larteh-Akuapem in the Eastern Region of Ghana. MCU is affiliated to the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Kumasi.
The Faculty of Laws was among the first faculties established at the MountCrest University College. The faculty adopts a liberal approach towards preparing and equipping a new generation of Law graduates with knowledge that will enable them to be influential and ethically minded citizens with the requisite competencies to integrate better into every sphere of human endeavor upon graduation. The faculty was, thus, created based on these guiding principles.
MountCrest University offers a regular undergraduate progamme in Law (LL.B) for four years and also LL.B for 3 years during evening and weekend classes. The university also organizes regular morning, evening, and weekend programmes for both workers and young students who have met its admission requirements.
Admission requirements into the Faculty of Laws at MountCrest University are the West African Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), General Certificate of Education (GCE) “Advanced Level” Examination, or International students. Mature candidates aged 25 years and above at the time of submitting their application with at least five passes at the GCE “Ordinary Level” Examination can also gain admission.
8. CENTRAL UNIVERSITY COLLEGE FACULTY OF LAW
Central University is a private institution which started in October 1988. In January 2016, the University College received the long-awaited Presidential Charter to become an autonomous and a fully-fledged university like Central University. The university is located at Tema on the Accra-Aflao road.
The Faculty of Law offers a comprehensive and rigorous education in the field of law. With a distinguished faculty and state-of-the-art facilities, students receive top-notch legal education that prepares them for successful careers. The curriculum is designed to foster critical thinking, analytical skills, and ethical reasoning, empowering graduates to excel in legal practice and beyond.
The school also provides numerous opportunities for practical experience through internships, clinics, and moot court competitions. By combining academic excellence with real-world application, the School of Law cultivates future leaders in the legal profession.
Central University Faculty of Law offers a four-year LLB program for WASSCE students and a three-year post-degree LLB program for graduate students.
7. LANCASTER UNIVERSITY GHANA FACULTY OF LAW
Lancaster University Ghana is a private university Based in the UK with a campus in Accra since 2013. It commenced its Law programme in 2014. Its campus boasts state-of-the-art learning spaces equipped with interactive systems.
Entry requirements into Lancaster University Ghana Law programme is a first degree from a recognized university or HND from a recognized Polytechnic in Ghana with a Final Grade Point Average (FGPA) of 3.0 or better in any field, are eligible to apply to this UG programme. In addition, such applicants MUST have WASSCE Grade C6 in the best 6 subjects, to include three core subjects and three electives (core subjects must include English Language, Mathematics and Integrated Science or Social Studies) OR Grade C or 4 in five GCE/IGCSE or Grade 6 in GCE ‘O’ Level subjects including English and Mathematics.
Lancaster University Ghana Faculty of Law gives students the opportunity to study the core foundation courses for a Ghanaian Law Degree in a dynamic interactive culture. You can pursue your own interests through a list of optional modules. Some of their courses cover technical legal courses, while others explore the relationship between law, development, and society.
Studying Law at Lancaster University Ghana gives you the opportunity to gain a strong awareness of the social, political, cultural, and historical dimensions of Law. Students benefit from the innovative teaching techniques alongside the traditional methods of our highly experienced lecturers. Whilst studying this course, you will develop vital skills in giving presentations, public speaking, and teamwork as well as research and writing skills.
6. WISCONSIN INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY FACULTY OF LAW
Wisconsin International University College (WIUC) was founded in 1998 with campuses in Accra and Kumasi in Ghana. It is a top-class university within the educational enclave, with modern infrastructure, a serene and conducive environment for living, learning, playing, and networking.
Wisconsin International University’s Faculty of Law offers a three-year and four-year Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) programme to prepare students for legal careers. This could be as legal practitioners (solicitors, barristers, magistrates or other court officials) or as legal advisors in corporate organisations, the public or private sector or NGOs. Graduates may go on to acquire their professional/ bar qualification to practice as legal practitioners. They may also decide to specialize in a particular area of the law.
To read Law at Wisconsin International University candidates must have six credits (A1-C6) in English, Mathematics, and Integrated Science (Biology or Agricultural Science for Nigerian applicants) or Social Studies, and three elective subjects, making an aggregate of no more than 36. For SSSCE, candidates must have six credits (A-D) in the three Core Subjects and three electives, making an aggregate of no more than 24. Applicants with a First Degree are placed at Level 200.
5. UNIVERSITY OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES (UPSA) LAW SCHOOL
The University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) is a public institution birthed in 1965 with the mandate to offer both academic degrees and provide tuition for business professional qualifications.
University Of Professional Studies (UPSA) Law School provides a congenial and vibrant community for preparing students to become excellent attorneys and also for those who may just be seeking knowledge in the law as corporate leaders, civil society activists, and officers of international organizations.
UPSA Law School has some of the most effective law lecturers from across the world whose diverse backgrounds enrich the teaching and learning of the law. Its Law School has become especially adept at skills training and innovative learning which it promotes through its close-knit student-lecturer relationship.
The Law School also offers extensive clinical programs, allowing students to develop their practical lawyering skills. In addition, its Law School offers a range of simulation programs through its mooting system, which helps our graduates to be practice-ready when they complete their professional law school training.
With a deep belief in the internationalization of law and legal education, the UPSA Law School is implementing a network of collaboration and partnerships with leading law schools around the world, including faculty exchanges and clinical legal education. The ratio of faculty to students provides a functional intimacy to legal education in a way unmatched in Ghana.
Admission to the UPSA Law School is highly competitive and in every academic year, a number of qualified students are turned down. UPSA Law School offers these programmes: Three (3)-Year LL.B Degree Programme for First Degree Holders and a Four (4)-Year LL.B Degree Programme for Non- First Degree Holders. The programme is a rigorous one and prepares students for admission into professional training at the Ghana School of Law.
Admission requirements at UPSA Law School is a first degree in any relevant discipline from a recognized institution and applicants must have obtained a minimum of a Second Class Lower. Applicants must, in addition, have WASSCE/SSSCE/GBCE credit passes of at least grade C6 or D respectively in three (3) core subjects and three (3) elective subjects or credit passes in five (5) subjects including English Language, Mathematics and any Science subject at the GCE ‘O’ Level in addition to three ‘A’ Level passes plus a pass in General Paper.
For the 3-Year Post First-Degree LL.B qualified short-listed applicants will be required to take an Entrance Examination and applicants who are successful in the Entrance Examination go through a Selection Interview.
4. GIMPA FACULTY OF LAW
The Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA) was a joint sponsorship between Ghana and the UN in 1966. GIMPA has its main campus in Accra and offers courses in its areas of competence leading to the award of certificates, diplomas, and degrees up to the doctoral level.
GIMPA Faculty of Law is dedicated to providing a premier legal education and fostering the development of skilled and ethical legal professionals. The institution is committed to equipping students with a comprehensive understanding of the law, critical thinking abilities, and effective advocacy skills.
GIMPA offers a Bachelor of Laws Degree (LL.B Day Stream) Programme. This programme targets Senior High School (SHS) graduates, who are interested in studying law as a first degree. The requirements for admission are three (3) credit passes in three (3) core subjects and three (3) credit passes in three (3) elective subjects in the West African Senior School Certificate Examinations (WASSCE). The admission process is highly competitive and thus only a few applicants are granted admission every year. The programme is for four (4) academic years and lectures are from 9 am to 4 pm whenever school is in session. The programme adequately prepares students for admission to the Ghana School of Law.
GIMPA also offers a Bachelor of Laws Degree (LL.B Evening Stream) Programme. This programme is designed for students who already possess a first degree in any discipline and are desirous of pursuing law as a post-first degree course. The minimum requirements for admission include a Bachelor’s Degree in any discipline from an approved University with a minimum of Second Class (Lower Division), or a professional chartered qualification such as ACCA, ICA, ICSA, CIPS, and CIMA. The process of admission includes writing and passing a highly competitive entrance examination as well as successfully passing a rigorous qualifying interview. Only a limited number of qualified applicants are admitted every year. The programme adequately prepares students for admission to the Ghana School of Law.
GIMPA offers the following postgraduate programmes Master of Laws Degree (LL.M), International Criminal Law and Justice (LL.M), International Trade and Business Law (LL.M), and Dispute Resolution and Law and Practice (LL.M).
3. UCC FACULTY OF LAW
The University of Cape Coast (UCC) is a public university in Ghana which was established in October 1962. It has various campuses with its main campus in Cape Coast in the Central Region.
The Faculty of Law at the University of Cape Coast (UCC) is amongst the premier institutions offering the LLB programme in Ghana though only a decade old. The faculty of Law was established in 2011 and has since formed partnerships with sister universities and law-related organisations in South Africa and the USA.
UCC requires that its students take mandatory internships, participate in practical legal experiences such as moot court competitions and the National Law Challenge, and engage in experiential learning through field trips to various locations such as prisons, ports, and parliament. This is to enable them to acquire direct hands-on training in all areas of legal practice.
UCC Faculty of Law provides an environment that contributes to the personal and professional growth of students and provides them with the legal knowledge and soft skills to become excellent lawyers as well as tomorrow’s ambassadors, international trade negotiators, judges, legislators, cabinet ministers, thought leaders, social commentators, or any other career they choose.
Students are taken through training in traditional law subjects such as Ghana’s Legal System, Law of Tort, Criminal Law, Law of Succession, International Law, Environmental Law, Commercial Law, Company Law, Law of Immovable Property, Insurance Law, and some novel ones such as Sports Law, Medical Law, Education Law, Intellectual Property Law, Petroleum Law, Banking Law, among others.
The Faculty of Law at UCC runs a three-year postgraduate programme which begins from Level 200 and ends at Level 400. Senior High School students are admitted into the LLB programme which runs for four years. In the second year of studies, they then join the 1st year postgraduate students at Level 200 till they complete their LLB programme.
2. KNUST FACULTY OF LAW
KNUST is the second public university to be established in Ghana. It has several campuses but its main campus is in Kumasi.
KNUST Faculty of Law is the second law school established in Ghana in 1970. The faculty offers a four-year and three-year LL.B programme as well as Master of Laws (LLM) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Law programmes.
KNUST Faculty of Law offers a 4-year (full-time) LLB programme. This programme admits candidates who are holders of: (i) WASSSCE with credits in the three core subjects (English, Mathematics, and Integrated Science) and three WASSSCE elective subjects in General Arts or Science or Business with Business Management, Economics, Accounting, Costing and Business Mathematics with aggregate 20 or better. (ii) GCE Advanced Level with credit in at least five ‘O’ level subjects, including English Language and Mathematics, together with three ‘A’ Levels or equivalent in Arts or Science subjects, and (iii) Mature candidates who must be 25 years of age and above with credits in at least five ‘O’ Levels, including English Language and Mathematics.
KNUST Faculty of Law offers a 3-year (full-time) LLB programme. This programme admits candidates with a first degree in a discipline other than law. Candidates in this category are required to do a three-year full-time LLB programme. Candidates must attend and pass an interview conducted by the Faculty.
KNUST Faculty of Law offers a 4-year (part-time) LLB programme. Candidates are also admitted as first-degree holders in a non-law subject. Candidates in this category are required to do a four-year part-time LLB programme. Candidates must attend and pass an interview conducted by the Faculty. The Master of Laws (LLM) programme is for two years.
- UNIVERSITY OF GHANA SCHOOL OF LAW
The best law school in Ghana is the University of Ghana School of Law. The School of Law of the University of Ghana is the premier center for legal education in Ghana and continues to lead the way in preparing students for the legal profession. It became a full-fledged school in the 2014/15 academic year.
The University of Ghana School of Law offers six programmes. These are a Master of Laws (LL.M.), a Post-First Degree LL.B, a Bachelor of Laws (LLB), an LL.M in alternative Dispute Resolution, an M.A. in Alternative Dispute Resolution, and an LL.M in oil and gas.
The Post-First Degree LL.B is characterized as a second-first-degree course and is a 3-year course. This means that entrants to the Law School must possess a Degree from a “recognised university”.
The main objective of the LLB programme is to develop talented individuals with fully developed theoretical and practical knowledge of the law as well as excellent leadership capabilities to provide quality service to all, in all spheres of endeavour and all circumstances.
The LLM/MA programme seeks to develop and train a critical mass of well-equipped legal professionals to tackle or deal with the key legal and regulatory issues in Ghana’s emerging oil and gas industry and elsewhere. This programme is structured such that students enrolled in the programme should be in the position to privately take and pass the examinations of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators. Students will be well groomed to be ready to continue from the LL.M onto the PhD programme and eventually take up teaching in the Law Faculties.
CONTACT
+233-(0)303-958555
+233-(0)303-963750
lawschool@ug.edu.gh
P.O. Box LG 70
Legon, Accra