The Convener of the Law Students’ Network (LSN), Abraham Kwaku Gyasi, has called on law students to rise beyond classroom theory and actively engage with the practical demands of law, leadership, and governance.
He made the call at the second edition of the LSN 2026 Leadership and Law Series held on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at the ISSER Conference Centre, University of Ghana, Legon. It was held under the theme, “Beyond the Classroom: Winning in Law and Politics”.
Mr. Gyasi underscored the importance of bridging academic learning with real-world practice in law and politics. Addressing patrons, legal practitioners, students of the Ghana School of Law, and participants from various academic institutions, he expressed appreciation for their presence and participation in the programme.
“It is with great honor and a deep sense of responsibility that I welcome you all to the Leadership and Law Series 2026,” he said. He added that the gathering reflected a shared commitment to leadership, governance, and national development.
Mr. Gyasi stated that: “This theme reflects both a challenge and a call… a challenge to rise above the confines of academic theory, and a call to actively engage with the practical realities of legal practice, leadership and political life.”
He further described the Leadership and Law Series as a flagship initiative of the Law Students Network, aimed at preparing students for leadership roles in law, politics, and governance. According to him, the programme is rooted in the belief that legal education must extend beyond statutes and theoretical frameworks.
“The making of a complete lawyer goes beyond the mastery of the law itself… It requires exposure, interaction, engagement with those who have walked the path and those who have shaped policy,” he noted.
Mr. Gyasi emphasized that the platform is designed to bridge the gap between theory and practice while redefining leadership within professional life. “This platform, therefore, is designed to bridge the gap between theory and practice, and to give new meaning to leadership within a professional life,” he added.
Reflecting on previous editions of the programme, he said last year’s event “sparked thought-provoking conversations” and set a high standard for student engagement, expressing confidence that the 2026 edition would be even more impactful.
He noted that this year’s programme had assembled “an exceptional array of speakers, distinguished legal practitioners, policymakers and political actors,” whose experiences would enrich participants’ understanding of law and governance.
Describing the gathering as a rare opportunity, Mr. Gyasi said it was uncommon to have such a mix of patrons, advisors, and influential leaders engaging directly with students on a single platform.
“We have established contact with all of them and they are all joining us soon. Their contributions would be “both enlightening and transformative,” he assured.
He stressed that the essence of the programme was to create an intellectual and professional interface between students and experienced practitioners.
“The essence of this event is to create an interface, an intellectual and professional exchange between students and scholars in law and politics. The goal is to inspire, challenge, and prepare students for future responsibilities,” he added.
Mr. Gyasi further urged participants to adopt a critical and proactive mindset as they prepare for careers in law and leadership.
“As future lawyers and leaders, we must begin to think critically, act responsibly and position ourselves strategically within the evolving legal and political landscape of our country,” he said.
The LSN Convener further encouraged participants to fully engage in the discussions and learn from the expertise on display.
“The true value of this program lies not only in what is said on this platform, but in how we internalize and apply these lessons in our academic, professional and political journeys,” he stated.
The keynote speakers for the programme were Alexander Afenyo-Markin (Esq.), Member of Parliament for Effutu and Leader of the Minority Caucus; Godfred Dame Yeboah (Esq.), former Attorney-General and Minister for Justice; and Frank Davies (Esq.), Chairman of the Constitutional and Legal Affairs Committee of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
The special guest speakers included Gary Nimako Marfo (Esq.), Head of the Legal Affairs Directorate of the NPP; Sammy Awuku (Esq.), Member of Parliament for the Akuapem North Constituency; Samuel Abu Jinapor (Esq.), Member of Parliament for Damongo; and Kojo Oppong Nkrumah (Esq.), Member of Parliament for Ofoase Ayirebi.
Others are Fatimatu Abubakar (Esq.), Aide to former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, and Diana Asonaba Dapaah (Esq.), former Deputy Attorney-General.
The Leadership and Law Series is designed to foster dialogue between students and leading figures in law and governance, while promoting mentorship, leadership development, and practical exposure within the legal profession.
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