Brief History of the Legal Affairs Directorate  

The Legal Affairs Directorate of the University of Ghana, formerly known as the Office of Legal Counsel, was established in 2013 as part of broader governance reforms aimed at strengthening the University’s institutional and regulatory framework.

Prior to its establishment, legal matters involving the University were largely handled externally or through ad hoc arrangements. The increasing complexity of the University’s operations, regulatory obligations, commercial engagements, and governance responsibilities highlighted the need for a dedicated in-house legal office capable of providing continuous and specialized legal support.

The Office of Legal Counsel was therefore created to provide legal advisory services to the University Council, Management, and various units of the University; oversee litigation and dispute management; draft and review contracts and agreements; and support institutional governance and policy development.

In 2024, in line with the University’s strategic reforms and evolving institutional needs, the Office was restructured and elevated to the Legal Affairs Directorate (LAD). This transition reflected the expansion of its mandate and its growing role in supporting the University’s vision of becoming a world-class research-intensive institution.

Today, the Legal Affairs Directorate serves as the University’s central hub for legal and governance support services. The Directorate plays a critical role in safeguarding the University’s legal and institutional interests, facilitating sound governance practices, supporting regulatory compliance, managing institutional agreements and transactions, and promoting effective dispute resolution mechanisms, including Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR).

The Directorate remains committed to advancing institutional integrity, accountability, and excellence in service delivery in support of the University of Ghana’s mission and strategic objectives.