Major legal advisers/ external counsel: ENS Africa, Minkah-Premo, Osei-Bonsu, Bruce Cathline & Partners, Corporate Legal Concepts

How do you approach managing legal aspects during periods of instability or crises, and how does your legal strategy align with the broader business strategy to ensure the organisation’s resilience?

As in-house counsel for CH Group LTD, a conglomerate with diverse subsidiaries, my role transcends traditional risk management during periods of instability and crisis. I position myself as a strategic thought partner and enabler of innovation, to align legal strategies with broader business objectives. Managing legal aspects in these volatile times requires agility, strategic foresight, and a collaborative mindset to navigate the complexities of diverse industries effectively. A hallmark of my approach is leveraging crisis to improve processes and strengthen operational framework. Following protracted litigation involving tenants who vacated properties without settling rent arrears, I identified gaps in our debt recovery process and revised tenancy agreements, incorporating clauses that prevent defaulting tenants from removing asset from the premises.

This measure mitigated immediate risks and ensured cash flow stability, directly aligning legal risk management with the business’ financial objectives. Another critical aspect of my strategy is empowering cross-functional teams to navigate legal complexities with confidence. When political instability in a key partner country threatened our oil and gas operations, I collaborated with internal stakeholders to develop a comprehensive overarching agreement which addressed fluctuating local laws and ensured continuity of operations despite changes in government or management. By providing teams with a clear legal framework, I enhance the organisation’s resilience in uncertain conditions. In times of instability or crisis, my approach is to transform challenges into growth opportunities, ensuring that CH Group continues to thrive without compromising its strategic initiatives.

In your opinion, what are the main trends that are salient in your country currently (these can be legal, political, economy or business-based)?

Ghana is experiencing significant regulatory changes aimed at improving its fiscal health and boosting economic stability. The government has recently introduced a series of new tax laws, such as the Value Added Tax (Amendment) Act, 2023 (Act 1107), which extends VAT to immovable property, the Growth and Sustainability Levy Act, 2023 (Act 1095) which imposes a levy on the gross production of mining companies, the Income Tax (Amendment) (No.2) Act, 2023 (Act 1111) which revises the rate of income tax applicable to individuals, and the Stamp Duty (Amendment) Act, 2023 (Act 1109) which provides for an increase in the rate of stamp duties, amongst others. Additionally, the government is enhancing local content regulations across various sectors, including oil and gas, mining and power to ensure that local businesses and labour benefit more directly from the country’s natural resources, boost economic growth, technology transfer and create employment opportunities for Ghanaians.

Are there any causes, business or otherwise, you are passionate about?

I am deeply passionate about empowering underserved communities through education. As part of the CH Foundation, I contribute legal services to ensure that the foundation’s projects are effectively structured and comply with regulatory requirements. The work I do with the CH Foundation reflects my commitment to expanding education opportunities for all. I am inspired by the potential of young people who, when given the right opportunities, will go on to make meaningful contributions to society. This is a cause I am proud to be part of, and I will continue to advocate for and contribute to the growth of education in underserved communities.