Ghana’s Ambassador to the US, Victor Smith, has expressed support for a proposed “Law Day” initiative designed to boost legal awareness among Ghanaians residing in the United States.
The idea emerged from discussions between the Association of Ghanaian Lawyers of the DMV and Ambassador Smith during a recent courtesy call. The association aims to deepen collaboration with the Ghanaian diplomatic mission to better serve the legal needs of the diaspora community.
Under the plan, Ghanaian lawyers in the US would host periodic open forums offering free legal education and guidance to Ghanaians and other interested parties. The initiative seeks to simplify legal processes and encourage proactive engagement with legal issues before they become major problems.
“Increased legal awareness can significantly reduce the vulnerability of Ghanaians abroad and complement the embassy’s consular services,” Ambassador Smith stated. He further emphasized that a structured partnership with legal professionals would bolster support for citizens facing legal difficulties, including arrest and detention.
The Association of Ghanaian Lawyers of the DMV highlighted that the Law Day would expand upon their existing outreach efforts, such as free legal clinics focusing on immigration, employment rights, and access to justice.
The meeting also addressed broader concerns affecting Ghanaians in the US, including the need for improved coordination among support institutions and stronger ties between the embassy and professional organizations.
Both the Ambassador and the Association agreed to continue discussions to finalize the details and implementation of the Law Day initiative, promising a more comprehensive plan in the coming weeks.
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