Members of the Minority in Parliament have expressed serious reservations regarding the woefully inadequate allocation of GH₵33 million to the Legal Aid Commission. The commission's essential role in ensuring equal access to justice and fair treatment before the law for those unable to afford litigation costs has been the focal point of concern for the minority members.
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Over the years, the Legal Aid Commission has faced chronic underfunding, leading to significant challenges in attracting legal practitioners from the private sector and hampering its capacity to fulfill its pivotal role effectively. The poor working conditions within the commission have been a deterrent for legal practitioners, compounding the organization's struggle to carry out its mandate successfully.
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Minority Spokesperson on Legal and Constitutional Affairs, Bernard Ahiafor, minced no words in expressing the gravity of the situation, stating that if the government is not committed to adequately resourcing the commission, it might as well consider closing it down. His impassioned plea reflected the urgency of the need for comprehensive support for the institution.
Ahiafor's address to the Parliament underscored the critical need to pay due attention to the Legal Aid Commission, emphasizing the importance of sufficient resources for its effective operation. The concern was not only about the inadequate budgetary allocation but also about the broader need for the commission to function effectively at various levels, including district and regional, not solely on a national scale.
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Additionally, MP for Bia East, Richard Acheampong, highlighted the detrimental effects of the low budgetary allocation, lamenting that this has led to a dearth of highly competent lawyers willing to join the commission. The repercussions of this underfunding have resulted in a significant portion of the country being deprived of the essential services provided by the Legal Aid Commission, leaving many individuals without adequate legal support.
Despite the passionate appeals and concerns voiced by the minority members regarding the insufficiency of the approved 33 million cedis for the Legal Aid Commission, the allocation was ultimately upheld by the house.
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