Ghanaians in the US are set to benefit from stronger legal support after Ghanaian lawyers in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia engaged the new Ambassador, H.E. Victor Emmanuel Smith, in a strategic partnership meeting.
The visit continues the association’s tradition of engaging successive Ghanaian ambassadors to promote legal protection, welfare support, and access to justice for Ghanaians living abroad.
Leading the delegation, Kweku Ofori, Esq., described the meeting as both a courtesy call and a strategic engagement, noting the association’s commitment to supporting the Embassy in addressing legal and welfare challenges confronting the diaspora.
Ambassador Smith welcomed the delegation, commending the group for its professionalism and community service. He highlighted the importance of structured partnerships between the Embassy and professional bodies in the diaspora, particularly on legal education and access to justice.
During the engagement, Ambassador Smith supported the association’s proposal to introduce a “Law Day”—an open forum where Ghanaian lawyers in the US provide free legal education and guidance to Ghanaians and the broader public. He explained that the initiative could demystify legal processes, inform citizens of their rights and responsibilities, and encourage early intervention in legal matters before they escalate.
The Ambassador also proposed a collaborative framework for assisting Ghanaian nationals who have been arrested or are in detention in the US. While the Embassy provides consular support, he noted, partnering with legal professionals would strengthen efforts to ensure fair treatment and due process.
Members of the delegation welcomed the proposals.
Janelle Ocloo, Esq., an immigration legal counsel, highlighted the association’s ongoing community outreach, including free legal clinics offering support on immigration, employment rights, and access to justice. She expressed optimism that a formal partnership with the Embassy would expand the reach and impact of these initiatives.
The meeting also provided a platform to exchange views on broader issues affecting Ghanaians in the US, including legal awareness, community engagement, and coordinated institutional support.
The engagement concluded with a mutual commitment to deepen cooperation between the Association of Ghanaian Lawyers of the DMV and the Embassy, with further discussions planned to implement the proposed initiatives.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
