UG School of Law Launches Alumni Homecoming Week and Commences Construction of Magnificent Edifice

In an event that brought together distinguished individuals from the legal profession and academia, the University of Ghana School of Law (UG SoL) launched its Alumni Homecoming Week and marked the commencement of the construction of a multi-purpose ultra-modern building complex for the School.

Under the theme, "Investing in Excellence, Empowering the Future of Legal Education in Ghana," the School's homecoming event promises to be a remarkable celebration, bringing together former students to commemorate achievements and envision a brighter future for legal education in Ghana.

This week-long event, scheduled from Monday, October 30th to Sunday, November 5th, 2023, provides a platform for alumni, faculty, and students from various generations to reconnect, network, reminisce and rekindle old friendships. The event holds particular significance as it delves into the critical subject of legal education in Ghana, highlighting the urgency of investing in excellence and empowering the next generation of legal practitioners.

In his welcome address, the Dean of UG School of Law, Prof. Raymond A. Atuguba, emphasised the importance of the week's celebrations and provided an update on the progress of the construction. Prof. Atuguba articulated, "What you see here is just six weeks of actual construction, so we are serious when we say that the entire project will be done in two years." He underscored that the building's significance goes beyond mere infrastructure, as it symbolises the quality of legal education and the sustainability of the school's recent initiatives.

While acknowledging the ambitious nature of the project, Prof. Atuguba stressed that it aims to cater to the long-term needs of the University of Ghana School of Law and the broader legal community for the next century.

He expressed gratitude to the units and stakeholders that have supported the School's success, including the University's administration, led by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, and the Provost of the College of Humanities, among others. Prof. Atuguba highlighted the necessity of continued support and collaboration to ensure the timely completion of the project.

The Chief Justice of the Republic of Ghana, Her Ladyship Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo, who was the Special Guest of Honour at the launch of the week-long activities and the sod-cutting ceremony, commended the rapid growth of the School, evolving from its earlier days as a faculty to its current status as a standalone School of Law. She reminisced about her time as a student when the student population numbered fewer than 200 and applauded the School's remarkable progress.

The Chief Justice disclosed that, “over the forty years since I left the Faculty of Law, there has been growth of the Faculty to become a stand-alone School of the University. The School has moved into facilities that by all standards, are acceptable. The numbers of students and faculty and administrators have grown exponentially and though the numbers of universities offering the study of law in Ghana have multiplied, the learning of law in the University of Ghana has remained the undoubted champion of legal training”.

Justice Torkornoo encouraged UG School of Law to maintain its role as a pacesetter in legal education. "It is important for this standard-setting institution to continue to be a pacesetter and to assist the newer law faculties in enhancing the quality of their programmes and, ultimately, the quality of the rule of law in this country."

Additionally, the Chief Justice highlighted the vital role of the new edifice and called upon all faculties of law, as well as private and public bodies, to contribute to the development of the School's infrastructure. "By all standards, this will showcase a world-class facility, surpassing those available to many schools of law around the globe. It is reflective of the spirit of leadership and excellence that the University of Ghana and its School of Law have always upheld," she added.

The Chief Justice extended her congratulations to the Dean, past Deans, Alumni, and students of the School of Law, wishing them a successful week of celebrations.

Vice-Chancellor Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, in her remarks, lauded the School of Law and its leadership for their commitment to upholding the status of the School as the most preferred and highly ranked School of Law in Ghana. She highlighted the School's influential role in shaping legal education in Ghana and the sub-region. Prof. Amfo recognised the contributions of UG School of Law alumni to the legal profession, with special mention of Her Ladyship Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, an alumna who currently serves as the Chief Justice of the Republic of Ghana.

The Vice-Chancellor conveyed her excitement about this year's homecoming, emphasising its relevance in reuniting former students, celebrating achievements, and envisioning a brighter future for legal education in Ghana. She affirmed the commitment of the University's Management to expand academic and residential facilities and underscored the priority of the new building complex in defining the future of UG School of Law and legal education in the country.

Prof. Amfo invited further support from all stakeholders to ensure the project's successful completion, stating, "With support from you, our distinguished alumni, and friends of the University, I am confident that we will achieve this target."

In a speech read on his behalf by Mr. Alfred Tuah-Yeboah, Deputy Attorney-General and Deputy Minister for Justice, the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Hon. Godfred Yeboah Dame, celebrated the introduction of the various Master of Laws programmes at the School of Law, highlighting its role in meeting the evolving learning needs of the legal profession.

He paid homage to the pioneering role of the School as the first law school in the country and emphasised the importance of the new building complex, describing it as a fitting tribute to the institution's esteemed status. "I can categorically state that the University of Ghana School of Law is the mother faculty and sets the standard for all other faculties of law in Ghana. As such, the School is deserving of a befitting space to carry on with all the good work it has already begun."

The Attorney General and Minister for Justice identified the transformative potential of the completed building, particularly in the areas of research and innovation. He appealed to state institutions, corporate organisations, private individuals, and fellow alumni to generously contribute to the project's successful execution.

Mr. Yaw Acheampong Boafo, President of the Ghana Bar Association, expressed his pride in the UG School of Law's investment in legal education. He acknowledged the School's special role and the introduction of 38 new Master's programs, highlighting the evolving role of the School in championing legal education. He pledged the support of the Ghana Bar Association and called for the necessary backing for the new facility.

Prof. Daniel Frimpong Ofori, the Provost of the College of Humanities, acknowledged the numerous infrastructural challenges faced by the University and noted that the School of Law was no exception. He pointed out that the project would address the School's concerns of limited space, given its growing student population and expanding programme offerings, which now include 38 Master of Arts in Law and Master of Laws programmes.

Mr. Peter Abalansah, the Acting Director of the Physical Development and Municipal Services Directorate (PDMSD) introduced the members of the technical team for the project. The Chairperson of the Infrastructure Committee, Mr. Kwame Gyan, together with the Project Technical Team, and the Project Architect took turns to provide an overview of the magnificent edifice's design and features. The facility is set to be a testament to the School's commitment to excellence in legal education.

Having officially launched the Alumni Homecoming Week, Her Ladyship Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo, the Chief Justice of the Republic, was joined by the Deputy Attorney-General and Deputy Minister for Justice, Alfred Tuah-Yeboah, Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, President of the Ghana Bar Association, Yaw Acheampong Boafo, Provost of the College of Humanities, Prof. Daniel Frimpong Ofori and Dean of UG School of Law, Prof. Raymond A. Atuguba to cut sod for the construction to proceed.

The ceremony was attended by Prof. Gordon Awandare, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Academic and Student Affairs, Prof. Akilagpa Sawyer, a former Vice-Chancellor of UG, past Deans of the School of Law, members of the legal fraternity, faculty, staff, students and members of the University community.

The University of Ghana School of Law multi-purpose facility is set to be a testament to the School's commitment to excellence in legal education.