HISTORY OF NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF LICENSED PARALEGALS AND LEGAL EXECUTIVES (NALPLE)
FOUNDERS
February 2024 – Initial Discussions and Concept Development
In February 2024, the Center for National Interest and Research (CNIR) and the Institution of Paralegals and Legal Executives under the leadership of Dr. Engr. Ebenezer Teye Dzabaku-Ocansey, the Executive Director engaged in discussions with the Africa Centre for Collaborative Dispute Resolution (AfCCoDR) under the leadership of Mr. Isaac Asare, the Founder and President regarding the need to establish a professional body for paralegals and legal executives in Ghana. These discussions were driven by the growing recognition of the critical role that paralegals and legal executives play in the justice delivery system and the necessity of a structured professional body to regulate and support their work.
During the discussions, both organizations agreed that forming a professional association would enhance the credibility, standardization, and recognition of paralegal and legal executive practice in Ghana. The proposed body would focus on professional development, certification, ethical standards, advocacy, and collaboration with legal institutions to strengthen access to justice.
Recognition of founders: Dr. Engr. Ebenezer Teye Dzabaku-Ocansey, the Executive Director of Center for National Interest and Research (CNIR) and Mr. Isaac Asare, the Founder and President of the Africa Centre for Collaborative Dispute Resolution (AfCCoDR) are both recognised as co-founders of National Association of Licensed Paralegals and Legal Executives (NALPLE).
PARAELGAL CONFERENCE
October 19, 2024 – Paralegal Conference and Resolution to Establish the Association
As part of the efforts to lay the foundation for the professional body, CNIR and AfCCoDR collaborated to organize the first-ever Paralegal Conference on October 19, 2024, at the Ghana-India Kofi Annan Centre of Excellence in ICT (AITI-KACE), Accra.
The conference brought together key stakeholders, including policymakers, legal professionals, educators, paralegals, legal executives, and representatives from justice institutions, to deliberate on the role of paralegals and legal executives in Ghana’s legal system. The conference was held under the theme:
“Enhancing Access to Justice Delivery through Effective Paralegal, Legal Executive Practice, and Effective Collaboration.”
The event featured insightful presentations and panel discussions, with the keynote address delivered by a representative of the Minister of Justice and Attorney General.
A key outcome of the conference was the unanimous resolution to establish a professional body for paralegals and legal executives in Ghana. Participants acknowledged the importance of such an association in setting industry standards, advocating for legal recognition, and promoting continuous professional development.
To actualize this vision, the conference tasked the organizing bodies—CNIR and AfCCoDR—with the responsibility of:
- Proposing a name for the association.
- Drafting a constitution and regulatory framework.
- Mobilizing members across Ghana.
- Preparing and filing registration documents for legal recognition.
MEMBERSHIP REGISTRATION
November 2024 – February 2025: Member Collation and Leadership Formation
Following the conference, the organizers initiated a nationwide membership collation exercise from November 2024 to February 2025 to identify and recruit interested paralegals, legal executives, and other professionals into the association. This exercise was essential in ensuring that the association was representative of the diverse professionals within the field.
Concurrently, steps were taken to identify interim officers who would steer the affairs of the association in its formative stages. These officers were carefully selected based on their expertise, experience, and commitment to advancing the interests of paralegals and legal executives in Ghana.
During this period, the organizers finalized the name of the association as the National Association of Licensed Paralegals and Legal Executives (NALPLE). This name was chosen to reflect the association’s core mandate of professionalizing the practice and ensuring that members meet recognized standards of competency and ethics.
NALPLE DOCOMENTATION
March 4, 2025 – Finalization of Documents and Decision to Register NALPLE
On March 4, 2025, the officers and organizing committee convened a final meeting to review and approve all essential documents required for the registration of the association. The meeting focused on:
- Finalizing the constitution and bylaws that would govern NALPLE.
- Reviewing membership structures, roles, and responsibilities of the executive leadership.
- Outlining the steps for formal registration with relevant authorities to ensure NALPLE’s legal recognition as a professional body.
At the conclusion of the meeting, a unanimous decision was made to officially register the association as a professional body. This marked a significant milestone in the journey toward creating a recognized institution for paralegals and legal executives in Ghana.