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?

Managing legal aspects during periods of instability or crises requires a strategic and proactive approach aligned with Vaal Real Estate Ltd’s overall business strategy. A key focus is on risk assessment and management by conducting thorough evaluations to identify vulnerabilities and developing contingency plans for potential legal issues such as contract breaches, regulatory changes, and litigation risks. Legal compliance is essential, requiring continuous monitoring of legal and regulatory changes impacting the company and regularly updating internal policies and procedures to ensure adherence. Effective communication and coordination are crucial, maintaining open and transparent channels both internally and externally to manage legal developments and protect the company’s reputation. A strong crisis response method involves forming a dedicated team comprising legal, compliance, and key business stakeholders, including finance and sales teams, with clearly defined roles and responsibilities for effective coordination. Aligning legal strategy with broader business objectives supports strategic decision-making, ensuring that all business decisions consider legal implications at every level. Proper documentation and record-keeping of all legal actions, communications, and decisions during crises are essential, creating audit trails for key actions to ensure accountability and traceability. Regular training sessions help keep staff informed about legal responsibilities and compliance requirements, promoting a culture of legal awareness throughout the company. After any crisis, a thorough post-crisis evaluation is conducted to assess the legal response, identify strengths and areas for improvement, and implement lessons learned to refine legal strategies and prepare for future challenges.

In your opinion, what are the main trends affecting your work now?
The Land Act, 2020 (Act 1036) consolidates Ghana’s land laws, streamlining property transactions despite bureaucratic challenges. The Ghana Building Code (2019) introduces comprehensive building regulations affecting safety, structural standards, and access, requiring developers to navigate longer processes and higher costs. Politically, recent elections underscore Ghana’s stable environment, attracting local and foreign
investors. Business-wise, there’s a rising demand for luxury and gated communities, particularly
among the middle and upper classes. The Company focuses on upscale properties to cater to this
market segment.

What strategic priorities are guiding your legal team into 2025?
Heading into 2025, the legal team is focused on several strategic priorities to enhance operational efficiency and mitigate risks. Strengthening regulatory compliance and risk management remains a top priority by closely monitoring regulatory changes and ensuring adherence across all operations. Embracing digital transformation through legal technology solutions is essential for streamlining processes, improving efficiency, and enhancing data security. Sustainability and ESG initiatives are being integrated by developing policies aligned with the company’s ESG goals to promote responsible business practices. Standardizing contract management templates and processes is a key focus to ensure consistency and reduce legal risks. Growth and innovation are being driven through strategic partnerships and joint ventures with landowners to expand opportunities. Additionally, providing comprehensive legal support and upholding best practices in corporate governance will ensure the company remains resilient and well-positioned for the future.