By Benjamin Nii Nai Anyetei
The 2000 Class of Ghanaian lawyers, known as the Millennium Lawyers, have marked their 25th Anniversary since being called to the Bar, celebrating a quarter-century of advocacy, professional excellence, and national service.
The official launch of the celebration in Accra brought together members of the Bench and Bar, Supreme Court Justices, senior practitioners, and alumni of the Ghana School of Law, reflecting on the class’s contribution to the development of Ghana’s legal system and democracy.
Justice Ernest Yao Gaewu of the Supreme Court of Ghana called for a complete redefinition of legal education to meet the demands of a modern democracy.
“This is more than a civil jubilee , it is a celebration of service to the law, to justice, and to the public good. We must redefine legal education to produce civic leaders , critical thinkers, ethical actors, and empathetic advocates”; Justice Gaewu said.
Justice Gaewu emphasized that as global democratic norms face increasing threats from misinformation, political interference, and digital manipulation, Ghana’s legal education must evolve beyond technical training to include democratic literacy, ethical leadership, and public service.
“Law is not practiced in a vacuum. Legal education must elevate character, integrity, and courage as much as intellect”; he added.
According to data from the Ghana School of Law (GSL), more than 7,200 students have been called to the Bar between 2015 and 2024, marking a 42% increase compared to the previous decade.
While, the Legal Education Reform Bill (2025) currently before Parliament seeks to decentralize professional training, allowing accredited universities to run Bar courses under the supervision of the General Legal Council.
COP Lydia Yaako Donkor, Director-General of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service, emphasized the importance of modernizing legal frameworks to match the pace of technological change.
She warned that without relevant laws, enforcement against cybercrime and artificial intelligence (AI)-related offenses would remain weak.
“As technology evolves, so must the law. Education and innovation must drive that change — because if we don’t have the relevant legislation to tackle cyber and technological crimes, it makes enforcement difficult”; she said.
Ghana’s Cyber Security Authority reported in 2024 that cyber fraud, data breaches, and identity theft accounted for more than GHS 90 million in financial losses last year, underscoring the urgent need for technological awareness among lawyers and law enforcement.
Isaac Achiampong, Chairman of the 25th Anniversary Planning Committee, advised young lawyers to value mentorship, discipline, and patience in their career journeys.
“Take your time to learn. Experience makes the difference between two lawyers in a courtroom. Don’t rush , build depth, and you will soar”; he urged.
He noted that while today’s legal environment rewards speed and visibility, the most effective lawyers are those who build competence and credibility through years of learning and mentorship.
The Millennium Lawyers, called to the Bar on 6 October 2000 represents one of Ghana’s most distinguished classes of legal professionals. Over the past 25 years, its members have served in various capacities in the judiciary, academia, civil service, and private practice, contributing to policy reforms and the advancement of constitutional governance.
As the group looks to the future, members reaffirmed their commitment to mentoring the next generation, promoting access to justice, and supporting reforms that make Ghana’s legal education system more inclusive and globally competitive.
“Democracy is not self-sustaining. It relies on guardians, those who understand the law, believe in justice, and act bravely when others remain silent”; Justice Gaewu concluded.
