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Sharing brief insights on topical legal matters.
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 during their lifetime. However, it is a critical step to ensure your affairs are in order before the inevitable occurs. Whether you are wealthy or have limited assets, an estate plan can provide peace of mind and safeguard your family’s future.
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, how, and where the deceased will be laid in state and buried. This principle was affirmed in the landmark case of Neequaye v Ashaley Okoe (1993-1994) GLR 538.
Traditionally, the dead body belongs to the family of the deceased in Ghana due to deeply rooted cultural, spiritual, and social beliefs. Below are some key reasons explaining this practice:
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 may apply to become a Ghanaian citizen by naturalization. According to the Citizenship Act 2000 (Act 591), an individual becomes a citizen of Ghana by naturalization where such a person applies to the Minister of Interior and their application is subsequently approved by the President of Ghana. Such a person becomes a citizen after the certificate of naturalization has been issued and oath of allegiance sworn 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’ firm differs considerably between smaller African jurisdictions like Ghana and more developed legal markets such as Europe and North America. While in Ghana a firm with more than 30 lawyers may be considered large, the thresholds in Europe and North America are much higher due to the scale of legal markets and global operations.
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:
- Undermine credibility: They may attempt to cast doubt on your reliability and truthfulness.
- Expose inconsistencies: They may highlight contradictions in order to create doubt about your testimony.
- Portray bias: They may suggest that your testimony is influenced by personal bias.
- Extract concessions: They may force you to admit facts that may weaken your case.
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 may apply to become a Ghanaian citizen by naturalization. According to the Citizenship Act 2000 (Act 591), an individual becomes a citizen of Ghana by naturalization where such a person applies to the Minister of Interior and their application is subsequently approved by the President of Ghana. Such a person becomes a citizen after the certificate of naturalization has been issued and oath of allegiance sworn to.
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