Prominent Ghanaian human rights activist, Emeritus Professor Takiwaa Manu has praised the late veteran lawyer Akoto Ampaw.
talk JoyNews’ “The Law” On Sunday, Dec. 17, she affectionately called Mr. Ampaw “Shay Shay” but said she did not practice law because of the benefits that came with it.
According to Professor Takiwaa Manu, the late respected lawyer just wanted to help as he took on many pro bono cases.
She added that Mr Ampaw’s motive was not wealth.
“‘Shea Shay’ didn’t break the law to make money. If he did, I don’t know where he would put that money,” she said.
“The last time I saw him before he got sick, I was making fun of him because he was going to the Supreme Court to prepare a speech to the Supreme Court for his client. And I knew who the client was, I knew about the incident, and I was scolding him for trying too hard and not even charging properly at the end.
“So one of the jokes always was that I would go and pay the bills for him so he could at least earn a decent rate. And we were like, that’s not going to happen. He was smiling because he knew,” she said of the fond memory.
The respected lawyer known for his role as President Akufo-Addo’s lead lawyer in the 2020 election petition passed away on October 20, 2023 at the University of Ghana Medical Center (UGMC). He was 73 years old.
Affectionately known as “Shey Shay” since his student days at the University of Ghana, Ampaw was also a key member of the New Patriotic Party’s legal team during the 2013 election petition.
He was a partner in the law firm Akufo-Addo Prempeh & Company, founded by Nana Akufo-Addo before becoming its president.
Throughout his career, Mr. Ampaw has built an impeccable legacy in the legal profession, particularly in championing human rights causes and advocating for fair justice.
He graduated from the University of Ghana with a Bachelor of Laws degree. He obtained his BL degree from the Ghana Law School in 1973 and his BL degree from the Ghana Law School in 1993.
His areas of expertise span a variety of legal areas, including commercial law, corporate law, industrial law, litigation, constitutional and human rights law, media law, labor law, and investment law.
As a dedicated human rights activist, Mr. Ampaw worked with other individuals and civil society organizations to oppose anti-LGBTQ+ legislation currently being debated in Congress.
He was adamantly opposed to the bill, which was tabled by a private member’s motion led by Ningo Prampram MP, Sam George and seven other MPs.
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