The legal profession in Ghana: from indigenization to globalization

ABSTRACT The legal profession in Ghana traces its origins to the British legal system which was transplanted to Ghana during colonization. Since the first Ghanaian lawyer was called to the British Bar in 1887, the legal profession has grown and developed into a cadre of lawyers who act in various professional capacities. This article uses a historical institutionalist approach in examining the development of the legal profession in Ghana. The article provides indepth analyses of the changes that have taken place in the profession since the first law school was established in Ghana in 1958. It examines various transformations that have occurred, and how lawyers have navigated the fast-changing globalization trends at the domestic and international levels. The article concludes with ideas for future research on the legal profession in Ghana.