Legal Affairs Committee tours agencies under Justice Ministry

The Parliamentary Select Committee on Constitutional and Legal Affairs has embarked on a working visit to institutions under the Ministry of Justice and Attorney General’s Department (MOJAGD). The visit revealed widespread staffing and resource constraints affecting service delivery.

The exercise, which took place on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, forms part of the Committee’s oversight mandate as outlined in Order 238 of the Standing Orders of Parliament.

Led by Chairman Hon. Mahama Shaibu, the Committee began its engagements with the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Hon. Dominic Akuritinga Ayine. Discussions centered on the Ministry’s operational challenges, particularly insufficient staff and the need for improved salaries to retain and motivate personnel.

The team later visited the Legal Aid Commission where the Acting Director of the Public Defenders’ Division, Mr. Nelson M. Kporha, raised concerns over a lack of staff, vehicles, and office space—factors he said are hindering their ability to serve the public effectively.

At the Registrar General’s Department, Registrar General Mrs. Grace Issahaque also cited critical issues including the absence of software to support operations, outdated vehicles, inadequate training resources, no functioning payment platform, and poor infrastructure. She warned that these deficiencies are directly affecting revenue mobilisation and service efficiency.

The Committee’s final stop was at the Council for Law Reporting. The Head of the Council and Editor of the Ghana Law Report, Mrs. Margaret Awuku-Gyekye, lamented a shortage of staff due to delays in financial clearance from the Ministry of Finance. She also pointed to inconsistent conditions of service and an unproductive work environment.

Hon. Shaibu commended the agencies for remaining committed despite their resource constraints. He assured them that the Committee would engage the necessary authorities to advocate for urgent improvements to ensure efficient justice delivery.