BEYOND THE FOUNDER: WHY EVERY CHURCH NEEDS A SUCCESSION PLAN
By Kofi Boateng, Esq. (Edited by Adjoa Gyebiwaa Opoku, Esq.) Many Charismatic churches in Ghana and by extent Africa, that are not subject to a parent institution, are heavily built around a single founder’s vision and leadership. While it may seem justified since the founder is expected to have received God’s call directly, the lack […]
PROTECTING THE FAMILY WEALTH (PART II): HOW TO ACHIEVE THE STRUCTURAL REALITY OF A FAMILY OFFICE IN GHANA
Most Ghanaian families do not need a full-scale Single-Family Office (SFO). Instead, they can achieve the essential protection through more pragmatic structures. Here’s a hierarchy of options, from least to most formal: 1. The Bare Minimum – Foundational Steps This is the absolute baseline for wealth protection and can be deemed essential for most families. […]
PROTECTING THE FAMILY WEALTH (PART I): IS A FAMILY OFFICE ESSENTIAL FOR LEGACY PLANNING IN GHANA?
What is a Family Office? A family office is a private wealth management advisory firm that serves ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs) or families. This is akin to the in-house, outsourced, or hybrid “personal CHIEF Financial Officer (CFO)” for a family with substantial wealth. In other words, a family office is the ultimate tool for consolidating, preserving, […]
DATA PRIVACY AND YOUR GHANA CARD: THE HIDDEN DANGERS OF PHOTOCOPYING
The ECOWAS Identity Card, widely referred to as the Ghana Card, is a pivotal instrument for streamlining identity verification in order to advance and ensure economic, political and social activities within Ghana. First referenced under Section 2(1) of the National Identification Authority Act, 2006 (Act 707), which mandates the National Identification Authority (NIA) to create […]
MITIGATING RISKS THROUGH DUE DILIGENCE PRIOR TO AN ACQUISITION IN GHANA
MITIGATING RISKS THROUGH DUE DILIGENCE PRIOR TO AN ACQUISITION IN GHANA Acquiring a company can be a transformative move for any business, offering opportunities for growth, diversification, and increased market share. However, the process comes with inherent risks that, if not managed effectively, can lead to significant financial losses and operational challenges. One of the […]
HOW TO PREPARE FOR CROSS-EXAMINATION
A Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing for Cross-Examination Cross-examination can be an intimidating part of the legal process. However, thorough preparation can help you remain composed and confident while providing testimony. Here is a comprehensive guide to equip you for the courtroom: 1. Understand the Opponent’s Objectives During cross-examination, the opposing party or cross-examiners seek to: […]
DOES SIZE REALLY MATTER IN YOUR CHOICE OF A LAW FIRM?
When facing a legal issue, one of the most critical decisions you will have to make is selecting the right law firm to represent you. In Ghana, law firms vary significantly in size—from sole practitioners to relatively large firms with 30 or more lawyers. It is important to note that the classification of a ‘large’ […]
PATHWAYS TO ACQUIRING GHANAIAN CITIZENSHIP
Foreign nationals can acquire Ghanaian citizenship through various pathways as outlined in the Ghana Citizenship Act, 2000 (Act 591) and the 1992 Constitution. The process depends on factors such as residency, marriage and descent. Below is a detailed breakdown of the legal routes to citizenship. 1. Citizenship by Naturalization A foreign national resident in Ghana […]
WHY DEAD BODIES BELONG TO THE FAMILY OF THE DECEASED IN GHANA
Legally, including in the Ghanaian customary law, it is well established that a spouse has no legal right or claim over their deceased spouse’s body. Instead, the courts have long held that the corpse belongs to the extended family of the deceased. As such, it is the prerogative of the extended family to decide when, […]
ESTATE PLANNING MAY SAVE YOU MORE THAN MONEY
Estate planning in Ghana is governed by a blend of statutory law, customary law, and, in some cases, religious principles. Key legislation includes the Wills Act, 1971 (Act 360), the Intestate Succession Law, 1985 (PNDCL 111), and the Administration of Estates Act, 1961 (Act 63). Many, in Ghana and elsewhere, appear to underestimate the importance of estate planning […]