The legal community and the nation at large are mourning the loss of one of Ghana’s most respected private legal practitioners, Akoto Ampaw.
The esteemed human rights activist and tireless anti-corruption campaigner is reported to have passed away today, on October 20, 2023, at the University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC).
While details surrounding the cause of his untimely passing remain scant, social media platforms have been flooded with tributes from Ghanaians, including fellow legal practitioners, eulogizing the late legal luminary.
Fondly known as ‘Che Che’ from his student days at the University of Ghana, Mr. Akoto Ampaw played a pivotal role in Ghana’s legal landscape. He notably served as the lead lawyer for President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo during the 2020 election petition, further cementing his reputation.
In addition to his involvement in the 2020 election petition, Mr. Ampaw was also part of the New Patriotic Party’s legal team during the Electoral Petition of 2013. He was a partner in President Akufo-Addo’s law firm, Akufo-Addo, Prempeh & Co.
Akoto Ampaw’s legacy in the legal fraternity is nothing short of impeccable, as he dedicated his life to championing human rights campaigns and advocating for fair justice. He was a graduate of the University of Ghana, with an LL.B. in 1973 and the Ghana School of Law, obtaining his B.L. in 1993.
His legal expertise spanned various domains, including commercial law, company law, industrial law, litigation, constitutional and human rights law, media law, labor law, and investment law, among others.
In his role as a human rights activist, Akoto Ampaw recently joined forces with other individuals and civil society organizations to oppose the anti-LGBTQ+ Bill that was under consideration by Ghana’s Parliament. He vocally opposed the bill, which had been sponsored by a Private Member’s motion led by Ningo Prampram MP, Sam George.
As the nation mourns the passing of this legal giant, social media has been inundated with heartfelt condolences and tributes to honor his remarkable contributions to the legal profession and his unwavering commitment to advancing human rights in Ghana.
