Togo · Overview
The legal system of Togo
A French-tradition civil-law system that moved from a presidential to a parliamentary model in 2024, when a constitutional revision made the President of the Council of Ministers the effective head of government. OHADA commercial law applies, and Lomé hosts significant regional maritime and financial institutions.
Legal tradition
Togo belongs to the civil law (french tradition) tradition. A French-tradition civil-law system that moved from a presidential to a parliamentary model in 2024, when a constitutional revision made the President of the Council of Ministers the effective head of government. OHADA commercial law applies, and Lomé hosts significant regional maritime and financial institutions.
How power is divided
Since 2024 a parliamentary system: a President of the Council of Ministers accountable to the National Assembly, a ceremonial President of the Republic, and a bicameral legislature with a Senate.
Where law comes from
- Constitution
- As revised in 2024 to a parliamentary model.
- OHADA Uniform Acts
- Directly applicable commercial law.
- Treaties
- Superior to ordinary statutes on ratification.
- Laws and ordinances
- Parliamentary statutes and delegated instruments.
- Codes
- Civil, penal (2015), persons and family (2012), labour and land codes.
The legal profession
Avocats admitted through the Barreau du Togo; notaires and huissiers are separate regulated offices.
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