African Trade Policy and Economics (Economics/Political Science/Law

Advancing Scholarship Across the Continent

Vol. 2007 No. 1 (2007)

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Access Denied: Barriers to Legal Access in Urban Slums of Ghana,

Amoah Ampaduini, University of Ghana, Legon Kofi Agyeiwo, Department of Interdisciplinary Studies, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research
DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.18859178
Published: January 8, 2007

Abstract

Urban slums in Ghana often face significant barriers to accessing legal justice, particularly for vulnerable populations such as women and children. The study employed semi-structured interviews with a purposive sample of 30 residents from different urban slum areas in Ghana. Interviews were conducted between January and June . Findings revealed that the main barriers to legal access included high costs associated with court fees, lack of awareness about available legal aid services, and inadequate enforcement mechanisms for court orders. The study highlights significant disparities in legal access within urban slums, particularly affecting vulnerable groups. These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions to improve access to justice. Recommendations include increasing financial support for legal aid services, enhancing awareness campaigns about available resources, and strengthening enforcement mechanisms for court orders.

How to Cite

Amoah Ampaduini, Kofi Agyeiwo (2007). Access Denied: Barriers to Legal Access in Urban Slums of Ghana,. African Trade Policy and Economics (Economics/Political Science/Law, Vol. 2007 No. 1 (2007). https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18859178

Keywords

Geographic Terms: UrbanizationSuburbia Relevant Topic: Legal PluralismCommunity Justice Systems Methodological Terms: Qualitative ResearchEthnography Theoretical Concepts: Critical Legal StudiesPostcolonial Theory

References