AI-assisted source-only fallback; independent verification unavailable.
Chief of Staff Julius Debrah says Ghana’s 24-hour economy and investment ambitions will require faster resolution of commercial disputes, predictable licensing and a legal system capable of keeping pace with modern business.
Dr Debrah speaking at the maiden Annual Bar Conference of the Ghana Law Society, said regulatory uncertainty and delays in enforcing contracts increase risks for businesses and can undermine investment.
“Ghana's ambition to become a competitive investment and a 24-hour economy requires laws that keep pace with modern commerce,” he said on September 30.
“We need faster resolution of commercial disputes, clear land administration, predictable licensing, and regular review of obsolete legislation.”
The Chief of Staff said legal reform should therefore not be treated simply as an issue for lawyers and the courts, but as part of Ghana’s economic policy.
“A business will hesitate to invest where contracts cannot be enforced within a reasonable time,” he said.
He also cited uncertainty over land ownership and emerging regulation of data, digital assets and artificial intelligence as areas where unclear rules could affect economic activity.
Dr Debrah further proposed that new regulations should be assessed against their economic cost, implications for individual rights and their practical enforceability.
“Efficient law lowers risk, protects rights, and gives enterprises room to grow,” he said
Mr Debrah further stated that Ghana cannot separate legal reform from economic growth, warning that slow justice, weak contract enforcement and regulatory uncertainty can discourage investment.
He noted that businesses require a legal system that provides certainty and resolves disputes within reasonable time.
“Legal reform is an economic policy as well,” he said.
“A business will hesitate to invest where contracts cannot be enforced within a reasonable time.”
He said uncertainty in land ownership also affects farmers and investors, while unclear rules around emerging sectors could constrain innovation.
“A young innovator cannot build responsibly where the rules governing data, digital assets, and artificial intelligence are unclear,” he said.
Dr Debrah said Ghana’s ambition to build a competitive investment environment and a 24-hour economy requires faster commercial dispute resolution, clearer land administration, predictable licensing and regular reviews of obsolete laws.
He said efficient laws reduce risk, protect rights and create room for businesses to grow.
Source: TV3
