By Issah Olegor
The General Legal Council (GLC) has unexpectedly terminated the appointment of Justice Nana Barima Yaw Kodie Oppong, an Appeal Court judge as Director of Legal Education and head of the Ghana School of Law, effective August 31, 2025.
Justice Oppong, a respected authority in Land Law and a long-serving lecturer at both faculty and practical course levels, was appointed to a four-year term as Director in 2021.
His sudden removal comes as a surprise to staff, students, and legal education stakeholders, particularly given his significant contributions to the school’s development during his tenure.
A Tenure Cut Short
Justice Oppong’s appointment was widely seen as a progressive step for the institution, as he brought decades of experience in legal practice, scholarship, and public service.
Beyond his judicial duties, he is the Manwerehene of Akyem Abuakwa in private life.
His leadership saw major initiatives, including the acquisition of prime land in Kumasi for the establishment of a Kumasi Campus of the Ghana School of Law — a project intended to expand access to legal education beyond Accra.
In a farewell message to students, Justice Oppong expressed disappointment over not being able to complete his vision for the institution.
“I had hoped to finish my full term or at least see through the current academic year and the forthcoming Call to the Bar ceremony for the final-year students. But sadly that was not to be.”
Despite his abrupt exit, he urged students to give their “respect, cooperation, and support” to his successor.
He has been replaced by Prof Raymond Atuguba, the immediate past Dean of Law Faculty, at the University of Ghana.
Legal Authority and Appointment Powers
Under the Legal Profession Act, 1960 (Act 32), the General Legal Council is vested with the authority to oversee legal education and appoint the Director of Legal Education.
Section 1(4) specifically empowers the Council to make such appointments, including other officers required for legal education, often based on the recommendation of the sitting Director.
While the GLC has not officially disclosed reasons for the termination, legal observers note that such decisions, though rare, fall within the Council’s statutory powers.
Impact on the Institution
Justice Oppong’s departure leaves questions about the continuity of ongoing projects, particularly the Kumasi Campus initiative.
For many within the legal fraternity, his removal is not just a personnel change but a potential shift in the strategic direction of the Ghana School of Law.
