Professor Peter Atudiwe Atupare’s appointment as the incoming Dean of the University of Ghana School of Law marks a significant transition in leadership for one of Ghana’s most prestigious legal institutions. Effective August 1, 2025, Prof. Atupare will assume the mantle from the outgoing Dean, Prof. Raymond A. Atuguba. The official announcement, disseminated via a memorandum from the University Registrar, Mrs. Emelia Agyei-Mensah, on May 30, 2025, signals a new chapter for the School of Law, one poised to benefit from Prof. Atupare’s extensive experience and distinguished academic credentials. His selection underscores the University’s commitment to appointing leaders with a proven track record of excellence in legal scholarship, education, and administration, qualities evident in Prof. Atupare’s impressive career trajectory.
Prof. Atupare’s journey to the deanship reflects a dedication to legal education and scholarship cultivated across multiple institutions. Prior to his appointment at the University of Ghana, he served as the Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Cape Coast, demonstrating his leadership capabilities and experience in managing a complex academic environment. This prior experience positions him well to navigate the challenges and opportunities that come with leading the University of Ghana School of Law. His appointment represents a homecoming of sorts, as his academic foundation was laid at the University of Ghana, where he obtained both his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and his Bachelor of Laws (LLB). This background provides him with a deep understanding of the institution’s history, culture, and aspirations.
Prof. Atupare’s academic credentials are a testament to his commitment to rigorous scholarship and a broad understanding of the law. His educational journey spans several prestigious institutions and encompasses a diverse range of legal disciplines. He holds a Qualifying Certificate from the Ghana School of Law, solidifying his practical legal training within the Ghanaian context. His advanced legal studies include a PhD and an LL.M (Thesis Option), both from the Faculty of Law at Queen’s University in Canada. These qualifications demonstrate his advanced research skills and his ability to contribute to legal scholarship at the highest level. Beyond his legal training, Prof. Atupare’s academic pursuits extend to political science, with an M.A. in Comparative Politics from Brock University, further enriching his perspective on the interplay of law and society.
Prof. Atupare’s scholarly contributions are substantial and span a wide spectrum of legal fields. His research interests encompass critical areas of law, including Criminal Law, Constitutional Law, Administrative Law, Human Rights, Private International Law, Law of Torts, Jurisprudence, and Legal Ethics. His work has focused on exploring the intricacies of these areas, contributing to a deeper understanding of legal principles and their application. His research has garnered international recognition, particularly in the areas of Constitutional Theory and Human Rights, solidifying his reputation as a respected legal scholar on a global scale. This recognition underscores the significance of his appointment to the deanship and the potential for his leadership to further enhance the School of Law’s reputation.
Prof. Atupare’s expertise in Constitutional Law and Human Rights positions him to provide insightful leadership at a time when these areas are of paramount importance. His work in these fields has contributed to the ongoing discourse on constitutionalism, human rights protections, and the intersection of law and social justice. His deep understanding of these complex legal domains will be invaluable in guiding the School of Law’s research agenda and curriculum development, ensuring that students receive a comprehensive education that prepares them to address the contemporary challenges facing legal systems and societies.
The University of Ghana School of Law stands to benefit significantly from Prof. Atupare’s leadership. His experience as a legal scholar, educator, and administrator, coupled with his impressive research record, makes him well-suited to guide the School of Law into the future. His appointment promises a dynamic and innovative approach to legal education and scholarship, further strengthening the School’s position as a leading center for legal studies in Ghana and beyond. His commitment to academic excellence, coupled with his deep understanding of the legal landscape, is expected to foster a vibrant intellectual environment and to contribute to the development of highly skilled legal professionals who can contribute meaningfully to the advancement of law and justice.
