Former Director of the Ghana School of Law, Kwaku Ansa-Asare, has firmly stated that any law student who takes the government to court over the 2026 entrance examinations will lose. He insists that legal challenges against the existing exam system are unlikely to succeed. Mr. Ansa-Asare made these remarks in response to concerns about the phased implementation of the new Legal Education Bill. The bill, recently signed into law by President John Dramani Mahama, introduces significant changes to legal training in Ghana. It seeks to break the monopoly of the Ghana School of Law's Makola campus. It also plans to abolish entrance exams that have historically limited access for many law graduates. The legislation aims to decentralize professional legal training. Another key provision is the establishment of an independent examination body. This separates the teaching of law from the examination process. This reform is a major shift from the colonial-era structures previously in place.
Mr. Ansa-Asare’s prediction comes amid confusion about whether the entrance exam is immediately scrapped by the new law. He challenges students and their representatives to identify a constitutional provision that would prevent the General Legal Council (GLC) from conducting the exam. He stated on Joy FM's 'Top Story' on May 11, 2026, "Anyone who goes to court to say that you should not be allowed to write the entrance exam, show me which provision of the Constitution will sustain that kind of action." He added, "Any law student who goes to court will lose; I can predict that." He stressed that until the new law's implementation roadmap is fully activated, the GLC can still enforce existing entrance requirements. This legal framework allows the council to proceed with its scheduled tests.
The seasoned legal expert believes a compromise can bridge the gap between the old system and the upcoming reforms. He proposed holding the entrance exam one last time in 2026. This would help cover existing budgetary commitments. He suggested the exam should be completely abolished in 2027. This approach would ensure a smoother transition and avoid sudden disruptions. "Entrance exam has not been abolished under the existing dispensation. What is confusing about it?" he questioned. He noted that a government white paper is expected soon. This paper will clarify technical details and resolve any lingering doubts about the law's passage and application. He advised hundreds of law graduates currently uncertain about their future to focus on studying for the exam.
The Member of Parliament for Old Tafo, Vincent Ekow Assafuah, had previously called for immediate clarity on the matter. He urged authorities to issue a joint statement. This statement would help alleviate anxiety among the student body as the 2026 academic year approaches. The new Legal Education Act represents a substantial change for legal professionals in Ghana. It aims to increase access to the profession by allowing other accredited universities to offer the Professional Law Course. This decentralisation is expected to benefit a larger pool of aspiring lawyers. The abolition of entrance exams is also a significant step towards inclusiveness in legal education. The legal fraternity is watching closely to see how these reforms will unfold practically.