In a recent address, a former law professor urged Ghana to develop a national occupational outlook to better understand the supply and demand for lawyers. He argued that the current debate over whether the country produces too many legal professionals is often based on assumptions rather than data.
The speaker highlighted the United States’ Occupational Outlook Handbook as a model, noting how it provides clear information on job duties, education requirements, earnings and projected growth. He suggested that Ghana’s statistical service could coordinate a similar resource, drawing on employers, universities and professional bodies.
The proposed database would include questions such as what the work involves, how to enter the occupation, where people are employed and what skills are sought. It would also track earnings and future demand, with clear publication dates and source acknowledgements.
To kickstart the effort, the professor recommended a graduate destinations survey for law students, with follow‑up surveys at one, three and five years. Employers would also be surveyed to identify the roles they need legal talent for, the skills that are scarce and the expectations for experience.
Such data would help law schools design electives, internships and employer partnerships, while guiding students toward realistic career paths. It would also aid policymakers in identifying gaps between education, employment and public need.
Beyond the legal field, the professor stressed that similar resources would benefit students in agriculture, engineering, nursing and the creative arts, offering a more informed decision‑making process for all.
He concluded by congratulating his former students on their call to the Bar, noting that their achievement deserves recognition but also a realistic understanding of the profession’s future.
