NRCC, Parliamentary Committee partner to enhance legal aid access in Northern Region

The Northern Regional Minister, Mr Ali Adolf John, on Wednesday, hosted the Parliamentary Select Committee on Constitutional and Legal Affairs at the Northern Regional Coordinating Council (NRCC).

The platform was used to discuss measures aimed at improving access to justice and strengthening legal aid services across the region.

The engagement formed part of a three-day monitoring tour undertaken by the Committee to assess the operational capacity and challenges of the Legal Aid Commission in the Upper East and Northern Regions, with specific focus on Bolgatanga and Tamale.

Led by its Chairperson and Member of Parliament for Daboya/Mankarigu, Mr Mahama Shaibu, the delegation paid a courtesy call on the Regional Minister on Wednesday.

Discussions centred on expanding the Commission’s reach, particularly to vulnerable and underserved populations in rural communities.

A key issue raised during the meeting was the limited availability of dedicated office accommodation for the Legal Aid Commission at the district level, which hinders efforts to fully decentralise its operations.

Speaking on behalf of the Committee, Mr Shaibu appealed to the Regional Coordinating Council and district assemblies for support in securing suitable office spaces across all 16 districts in the Northern Region.

He noted that establishing a presence in the districts would reduce travel burdens for residents seeking legal advice and foster closer collaboration among local government stakeholders.

In response, Mr Ali Adolf John welcomed the delegation and commended Parliament’s proactive monitoring of essential public institutions.

The Minister emphasised that access to legal representation remains a vital pillar of good governance and social equity.

He reaffirmed the commitment of the NRCC and Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to work alongside the Committee and the Legal Aid Commission to explore viable accommodation solutions, ensuring timely and accessible legal support for all residents.