Batch Call Replaces ‘Mini Call’ as Ghana School of Law Reforms Bar Admission Process

The Ghana School of Law has introduced key reforms to its Call to the Bar process, renaming the former “Mini Call” as the “Batch Call” and redesignating the traditional “Main Call” as the “October Call.”

The announcement was made by Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie during the 2025/2026 academic year induction ceremony for Professional Law Course students at the Kumasi Campus.

Addressing 376 newly inducted students, the Chief Justice explained that the changes are intended to remove perceptions of hierarchy or stigma previously associated with the different call ceremonies.

He assured candidates that those who meet all prescribed requirements may apply for either call without fear of discrimination or unnecessary distinctions.

Possible Kumasi Call to the Bar

In a further shift that signals decentralisation of legal ceremonies, the Chief Justice disclosed that the General Legal Council is considering organising future Call to the Bar ceremonies in Kumasi.

Currently, such ceremonies are traditionally held in Accra.

The move, if implemented, would mark a significant step in expanding access and representation within Ghana’s legal training framework.

Fairness and Transparency Emphasised

Beyond the structural changes, Justice Baffoe-Bonnie reiterated that mechanisms such as re-tallying and remarking of examination scripts would continue to be implemented diligently and within reasonable timelines to ensure fairness in assessment.

Professor Raymond Atuguba, Acting Director of Legal Education, said the School’s teaching and assessment processes would remain guided by transparency, structure and discipline.

“Fairness in legal education is not an act of kindness but a matter of justice,” he stated.

Reform Agenda in Legal Education

The induction ceremony, held under the theme “Charting New Directions in Legal Education: Diverse Career Opportunities Emerging from Reforms,” forms part of broader efforts to modernise legal education in Ghana.

The renaming of call categories and the potential expansion of ceremony venues indicate ongoing reforms aimed at reducing perceived inequalities and enhancing institutional accessibility.

As the new cohort begins its professional training, the reforms signal a shift not only in terminology but in the structure and inclusivity of Ghana’s bar admission process.