UE/R: SOCO PROJECT FACILITATORS URGED TO WORK HARD FOR THE SUCCESS OF THE PROJECT – DCE NABDAM
By – Sadat Dabo
The Legal Aid Commission in the Upper East Region is struggling with severe staff shortages, irregular government funding and logistical challenges, leaving it unable to extend its services to all districts in the region
The Regional Director of the Legal Aid Commission, Lawyer Issahaku Tahidu Lawal, disclosed these challenges during an interview with Ayamga Florence on URA Sunrise on GBC URA Radio in Bolgatanga on Wednesday, October 14, 2026
The interview formed part of activities marking Legal Aid Week, being observed from October 12 to 16, 2026, under the theme Justice at Your Doorstep
The Legal Aid Commission is a non-profit institution dedicated to providing free legal services to vulnerable and disadvantaged members of society who cannot afford legal representation
Only one lawyer serving the entire region
Lawyer Lawal revealed that the Commission currently operates offices only in Bolgatanga and Bongo, despite the need to provide legal services across all districts in the Upper East Region
He explained that the Commission previously operated offices in Bawku and Zebilla, but the facilities have since been closed due to the conflict
According to him, logistical constraints have prevented the Commission from establishing offices in other districts, while an acute shortage of personnel has further weakened its capacity to serve the public
“The whole staff in the region, permanent staff, we are about eight for the whole region. For now, I am the only lawyer in the Upper East Region, and I have to take care of all matters about legal aid in the Upper East Region,” he disclosed
He said the Commission’s ideal situation would be to establish an office in every district to make access to justice easier for vulnerable residents
Irregular government funding threatens operations
The Regional Director also identified irregular government subventions as a major challenge affecting the Commission’s daily operations
He explained that although government funding remains its principal source of financial support, the irregular release of funds sometimes forces management to find alternative ways to pay electricity bills and undertake basic repairs to office equipment
“When we get government subvention, then we do our operations. If it is not there, the director will have to find other means of buying electricity and taking care of basic repairs of our equipment,” he said
Despite the challenges, Lawyer Lawal acknowledged support from development partners, including the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the legal department of the United States Embassy and the German development organisation GIZ
He said these institutions had supported the Commission through the provision of office equipment, computers, printers, photocopiers, furniture and training opportunities
Akayet Hotel recognised for supporting Legal Aid
Lawyer Lawal also appealed to philanthropists, businesses, civil society organisations, non-governmental organisations and individuals to support the Commission to sustain its free legal services
He cited Akayet Hotel as an example of a private institution that had contributed to improving the Commission’s working environment
According to him, the hotel donated and installed four air conditioners in the Commission’s offices in Bolgatanga as part of its corporate social responsibility
He encouraged other organisations and individuals to emulate the gesture, stressing that additional support would help the Commission reach more people in need of legal assistance
The appeal comes amid concerns about the limited availability of legal aid services in districts where the Commission has no operational office
Why some court cases take longer
Addressing concerns about delays in court proceedings, Lawyer Lawal explained that the duration of cases depends on their nature and the legal procedures involved
He cited murder trials as an example, explaining that such cases require careful proceedings because of the serious consequences for the accused and the need to ensure a fair opportunity to defend themselves
He noted that the absence of a juror or the need to secure the attendance of a witness from outside the region could result in an adjournment
He stressed that cases involving an individual’s liberty must not be rushed simply to achieve a quick conclusion
On family-related cases, particularly child maintenance disputes, the Regional Director explained that courts could issue interim orders requiring a parent to make monthly payments while proceedings continue
He said such measures help ensure that children’s basic needs are met even when a case has not been finally determined
Lawyer Lawal emphasised that the Commission continues to support its clients throughout legal proceedings until their cases are concluded
Legal Aid Week: A call for justice for all
The Legal Aid Week celebration seeks to draw attention to the importance of ensuring that access to justice is not determined by a person’s financial circumstances
For many vulnerable residents, free legal representation can make the difference between having their rights protected and being unable to navigate the justice system
As the Commission marks Legal Aid Week under the theme “Justice at Your Doorstep,” Lawyer Lawal’s appeal highlights the need for stronger institutional support, adequate staffing, reliable funding and expanded district-level services.
He urged individuals, businesses, organisations and community groups to contribute towards strengthening the Commission’s work, emphasising that every contribution could help improve access to justice for people who cannot afford legal representation
The Regional Director was accompanied during the interview by Barbara Alo and Gilbert Zemtaam, both Assistant Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Officers, and Magdalene Awingura, a volunteer
Source – gbcuraonline.com
