UE/R: SOCO PROJECT FACILITATORS URGED TO WORK HARD FOR THE SUCCESS OF THE PROJECT – DCE NABDAM
By – Sadat Dabo
The Upper East Regional Director of the Legal Aid Commission, Lawyer Issahaku Tahidu Lawal, has commended Akayet Hotel for its support to the Commission, particularly the donation and installation of four air conditioners to improve working conditions at its offices in the region
Lawyer Lawal expressed appreciation to the hotel during an interview with Ayamga Florence on URA Sunrise on GBC URA Radio in Bolgatanga on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, as part of the Legal Aid Week celebrations, observed from October 12 to 16, under the theme Justice at Your Doorstep
According to him, Akayet Hotel donated the four air conditioners some years ago and personally undertook their installation, demonstrating its commitment to supporting access to justice and the work of the Commission
He explained that the gesture had helped improve the working environment at the Commission’s offices, making it easier for staff to carry out their responsibilities
Lawyer Lawal described such support from private institutions and philanthropists as essential, particularly because the Commission provides free legal services to vulnerable and disadvantaged members of society
He therefore appealed to individuals, businesses, non-governmental organisations, philanthropists and other institutions to emulate Akayet Hotel by supporting the Commission to sustain and expand its services
Legal Aid Commission faces funding and logistical challenges
Despite the support it has received from organisations such as Akayet Hotel, the Legal Aid Commission continues to face significant operational challenges in the Upper East Region
Lawyer Lawal disclosed that the Commission currently operates offices only in Bolgatanga and Bongo, following the closure of its offices at Bawku and Zebilla due to the conflict
He attributed the inability to open offices in other districts to office space and logistical constraints
He said the Commission ideally needed an office in every district to ensure that residents could access legal assistance without travelling long distances
The Regional Director further revealed that the Commission had approximately eight permanent staff members in the region, with him being the only lawyer responsible for handling its legal matters
He added that the Commission depends largely on government subventions, which are often irregular, sometimes forcing management to find alternative means of paying for electricity and undertaking basic repairs
Lawyer Lawal acknowledged that other institutions, including the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the legal department of the United States Embassy and GIZ, had supported the Commission through equipment, office furniture and training
However, he stressed that additional assistance remained necessary to address the Commission’s financial and logistical difficulties
Commission appeals for more corporate support
The Regional Director emphasised that supporting the Legal Aid Commission was a contribution towards ensuring that vulnerable people could access justice regardless of their financial circumstances
He noted that the Commission represents people who might otherwise struggle to afford legal services, helping them navigate the justice system and defend their rights
The Commission also handles family-related matters, including child maintenance cases. Lawyer Lawal explained that courts could issue interim maintenance orders while cases were pending, ensuring that children continued to receive financial support before final decisions were made
He further explained that some cases, particularly murder trials, required careful handling to ensure that accused persons received a fair opportunity to defend themselves
Where to find the Legal Aid Commission
The Upper East Regional Office of the Legal Aid Commission is located at the Ministries Block, Room M15, in Bolgatanga, on the second floor of the building it shares with the Geological Survey Department, within the same premises as the Immigration Services Department
As the Commission marks Legal Aid Week, its appeals to corporate bodies, businesses, civil society organisations and individuals should support its work so that free legal assistance can reach more people across the Upper East Region
By – gbcuraonline.com
