Bentsi-Enchill, Letsa & Ankomah > Accra, Ghana > Firm Profile
Bentsi-Enchill, Letsa & Ankomah Offices
4 MOMOTSE AVENUE
ADABRAKA, ACCRA
Ghana
Bentsi-Enchill, Letsa & Ankomah > The Legal 500 Rankings
Ghana > Banking and finance Tier 1
Spearheaded by Seth Asante and Frank Nimako Akowuah (who has the ‘ability to discuss thorny issues with the client and work towards their resolution‘), the first-rate team at Bentsi-Enchill, Letsa & Ankomah has an established reputation for its work with a range of financial institutions, institutional investors and companies. It can also frequently be found advising an array of large multinational corporations and emerging businesses on various transactions. The group regularly advises on the full range of lending and borrowing matters, such as acquisitions, and asset and structured trade financing deals. In addition, the skilled team is recommended for its regulatory advice to authorities and government agencies. Restructuring and insolvency issues are also covered by the team, which has additional experience in conducting large-scale due diligence exercises. Other strengths lie in advising on the financing aspects of project and infrastructure work.Practice head(s):
Seth Asante; Frank Akowuah
Testimonials
‘Frank Akowuah: the ability to discuss thorny issues with the client and work towards their resolution’.
Key clients
Citibank N. A
Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund
Oasis Africa Fund
Stanbic Bank Ghana Limited
Ghana International Bank plc
Africa Trade Finance Limited
Norwegian Investment Fund for Developing Countries
Macquarie Bank Limited
African Export-Import Bank
Standard Chartered Bank
Iroko Securities Limited
CAL Bank Ghana Limited
Cauris, Inc.
Work highlights
- Advised Standard Bank of South Africa and Stanbic Bank Ghana on a $90m secured revolving facility to Golden Star (Wassa) for the expansion of its business.
- Advised United States International Development Finance Corporation on a proposed $8m loan to an independent, co-educational institution for the refinancing of existing debt and the funding of a school campus.
- Advised Development Bank Ghana on a €46.5m subordinated loan facility from KfW for on-lending purposes.
Ghana > Capital markets Tier 1
The ‘efficient’ team at Bentsi-Enchill, Letsa & Ankomah is ‘able to handle the most complex cases due to its knowledge and expertise’. Under the joint leadership of Seth Asante and Frank Nimako Akowuah, the group frequently handles the most sophisticated debt and equity capital markets transactions in the market. It advises on a broad range of international and domestic deals, including initial public offerings as well as private placements. It has acted as transaction advisers on a significant number of listed corporate equity securities transactions in addition to listed corporate debt securities deals in the local market. The lawyers also receive plaudits for their ‘strong commercial acumen’.Practice head(s):
Seth Asante; Frank Nimako Akowuah
Other key lawyers:
Jonathan Amable
Testimonials
‘BELA has a well-developed practice to advise on capital market transactions in Ghana excellently. Their understanding of local and international regulations to guide local and foreign companies seeking to use our capital market is excellent’.
‘Frank Nimako Akowuah – Knowledge and expertise of local market regulation, ability to marry innovative solutions with existing regulations to solve new problems’.
‘I have had the pleasure of working with Frank Nimako Akowuah on a number of capital market transactions. He has command of the law, he is dedicated and has always been thorough in his communication’.
‘BELA is without a doubt the market leader. Their knowledge depth, capacity for innovation, attention to detail and commercial acumen are unrivalled. The firm also has significant bench strength which ensures that they can be depended upon to deliver in a timely manner. BELA is also well known for its gender diverse work-force’.
‘Interactions with BELA team members always leave a strong impression of professionalism and competence. Managing Partner Seth Asante is extremely well regarded and does a fantastic job of promoting the firm’.
‘Frank Nimako-Akowuah and Jonathan Amable are two other outstanding individuals I have interacted with from the firm’.
‘The practice has been the leading legal firm to work on key financial structures especially in the capital markets. They are leaders in their field in their knowledge and expertise of local capital markets and key requirements from regulators and investors – all of which are crucial in structuring products’.
‘Seth Asante and Frank Akowuah are extremely professional and I enjoy working with them. They are the first choice if there is a complex structure we are working on and how to make it work from a legal perspective. Special mention to their associates as well’.
Key clients
Ghana Amalgamated Trust
Izwe Savings & Loans Plc
Databank Brokerage Services Limited
Bayport Financial Services
MobileMoney Limited
Ghana Stock Exchange
Scancom Plc
Africa Export-Import Bank
Work highlights
- Advised MobileMoney on a potential listing of shares on the Ghana Stock Exchange.
- Advised Ghana Amalgamated Trust on an initial public offer of preference shares.
- Advised Daakye Trust, a special purpose vehicle incorporated by the Ghana Education Trust Fund, on the establishment of a receivables-backed bond issuance programme.
Ghana > Commercial, corporate and M&A Tier 1
Bentsi-Enchill, Letsa & Ankomah fields a highly regarded team, which is equipped to advise on complex and significant transactions in Ghana. Its expertise spans all areas of corporate compliance matters in addition to commercial and corporate deals. It is particularly known for its experience in conducting large-scale corporate due diligence exercises on target companies. It is also sought after for its advice to international clients on divestment and restructuring of Ghanaian subsidiaries. Susan-Barbara Adjorkor Kumapley's expertise covers the telecoms, media and technology sectors in particular, and Angela Gyasi has played a leading role in a variety of major corporate transactions for multinational corporations and local companies. Frank Nimako Akowuah and Seth Asante are other highly regarded members of the department.Practice head(s):
Seth Asante; Susan Barbara Adjokor Kumapley; Angela Gyasi; Frank Nimako Akowuah
Other key lawyers:
Jonathan Amable
Testimonials
‘Bentsi-Enchill’s team provides support with structuring and hand-holds clients and other transaction advisors during the advisory phase’.
‘Seth Asante and Frank Nimako Akowuah provide the required input and detail required during the due diligence process. They make their knowledge and advice available at key points during negotiations’.
‘Knowledgeable with an excellent understanding of commercial regulations in Ghana. Excellent understanding of the impact of their solutions on the cost implications for their clients’.
‘Seth Asante – Expert understanding of a wide range of commercial regulations, banking and financial services and capital market regulations in Ghana’.
‘Jonathan Amable – Knowledgeable with an excellent understanding of a broad range of commercial, and financial services regulations in Ghana’.
Key clients
LeapFrog Investments Group Limited
Scancom Plc
Unilever Ghana Limited
Oasis Capital Limited
ExpressPay Ghana Limited
Moringa SCA SICAR
Bayport Management Limited
Future Global Resources Limited
Digital Innova Ghana Limited
Work highlights
- Advised Mobile Money on a spin-off of Scancom’s electronic money and payment system business to the client in compliance with a new statutory requirement to separate fintech business from other unrelated businesses.
- Advised Affinity Africa Finance on its fundraising (by way of private placement) and application to the Bank of Ghana for a savings and loans license.
Ghana > Dispute resolution Tier 1
Bentsi-Enchill, Letsa & Ankomah is ‘made up of very competent, ethical and hardworking lawyers'. The team specialises in corporate and commercial litigation as well as alternative dispute resolution strategies. It also covers other matters, including family and construction disputes, as well as debt recovery matters and employment and labour law cases. Key senior members of the ‘very agile’ and ‘very professional’ team include Ace Anan Ankomah and Daad Akwesi. Nania Owusu- Ankomah Sackey, Gloria Cofie and Golda Denyo are also highly regarded practitioners in the ‘very responsive, proactive and reliable’ department.Practice head(s):
Ace Anan Ankomah; Daad Akwesi; Nania Owusu-Ankomah; Gloria Cofie; Golda Denyo
Testimonials
‘The key take-away for me has been the depth of their knowledge and how they have excellently applied that knowledge in practice. They are responsive and give timely advice and when and where necessary have offered alternatives to dispute resolution. The staff I have had the opportunity to interact with are professional.’
‘I am privileged to work mostly with Daad. She provides timely updates after each court session and communicates in a clear, easy to understand language devoid of legal jargon. She is proactive and approachable’.
‘In my estimation the uniqueness of the practice lies in the calibre of the leadership of the team of lawyers at the firm. The team synergy is also an outstanding feature of the firm’.
‘Ace Ankomah- Ethical, knowledgeable, meticulous and competent. Also exhibits a high level of professionalism and sound judgement. Daad Akwesi- Professionalism and competence. Golda Denyo- Professionalism and competence’.
‘Good response time to matters raised by client. Some flexibility with fee proposals in order to meet client’s needs. Excellent feedback from the lawyers following court sittings. Good at keeping clients in the loop on the steps being taken. Good at managing client’s expectations’.
‘Gloria Cofie is an extremely good litigation lawyer who updates clients expeditiously. I also appreciate that they have a significant number of women partners and practitioners in the firm, making it one, if not the only, big law firm with that amount of diversity‘.
‘Ace always provides apt and down to earth legal advice to assist with litigation strategy. Golda is very well prepared for all court appearances and is an asset to have in court on your litigation team.’
‘Nania Owusu-Ankomah is very good at what she does. Her knowledge, mastery and appreciation of the law is never called to question. She has a very pleasant demeanour yet very firm and effective in making her point’.
Key clients
Ecobank Ghana Limited
International Finance Corporation
Stanbic Bank Ghana Limited
Bank of Ghana
Ashanti Foam Ghana Limited
Securities and Exchange Commission
Ghana Oil Palm Development Company Limited
AngloGold Ashanti (Ghana) Limited
Abosso Goldfields Limited
Ghana Petroleum Mooring Systems Limited
Monjasa DMCC
FBN Bank UK
Moringa SCA SICAR
Moringa Mauritius Africa
ATC Ghana Limited
Aviation Handling Services Ghana
KPMG
Bayport Savings and Loans Plc
Ericsson sub-Saharan Africa (Pty) Limited
Junction Shopping Mall Limited
Work highlights
- Representing a leading telecoms company in the Supreme Court in a matter involving damages of around $16m.
- Representing a client in a shareholder dispute with a damage claim of over $1m.
- Representing a client in the enforcement of an arbitral award issued in its favour in the UK.
Ghana > Energy Tier 1
Bentsi-Enchill, Letsa & Ankomah continues to work on the most significant transactions in the market involving oil and gas, renewables and power. In the upstream oil and gas space, its experience spans all the phases of project development. It has also worked on various high-profile deals in downstream and midstream oil and gas. Under the leadership of Seth Asante, Seyram Dzikunu and Elizabeth Ashun, the group also garners praise for its advice on all aspects of renewable and thermal energy. The group is well placed to handle a wide array of issues from petroleum and gas sale agreements to fuel supply and power purchase agreements. It often advises on interconnection agreements and the related security documentation to obtain the financing for these deals. Its clients range from leading multinational oil and gas companies to private equity funds and investors. Other key clients include operators and small-to-medium businesses.Practice head(s):
Seth Asante; Seyram Dzikunu; Elizabeth Ashun
Other key lawyers:
Godwin Ofosuhene Nkrumah
Testimonials
‘Bentsi-Enchill has a well established presence in Ghana with a full and deep understanding of the applicable regulations, public administrations and private sector needs in respect at operating in the Ghana business market. They have excellent relationships with the regulatory stakeholders’.
‘Responsive, clear and timely advice on a consistent basis. Seyram Dzikunu, Seth Asante and Godwin Nkrumah are star performers in oil and gas disputes’.
‘Seyram is a first class lawyer with a razor sharp instinct’.
‘Seth is the elder statesman, he brings authority and experience’.
‘Godwin is an up and coming lawyer – one to watch’.
‘The individuals I had the opportunity to deal with have a strong theoretical approach combined with a reasonable business orientation, the partner and associate I’m working with are professional and experts in the area of my interest which makes it easy for me to have good results when I’m engaging with them’.
Key clients
Tullow Ghana Limited
Occidental Petroleum Corporation (Oxy)
Vitol SA
Aker Energy
Kosmos Energy Ghana
Vivo Energy
PGS ASA
Reganosa
Valaris
Work highlights
- Advised on the Ghanaian aspects of the sale of Oxy’s petroleum interests in the Jubilee and TEN oil fields in Ghana.
- Advising Maersk Drilling on the proposed corporate reorganisation of its Ghana operations.
- Acting as a sub-consultant to PwC Ghana advising the Energy Commission and Ministry for Energy on the development of a natural gas distribution network.
Ghana > Infrastructure projects Tier 1
The ‘excellent’ team at Bentsi-Enchill, Letsa & Ankomah focuses on the legal and regulatory aspects of infrastructure projects in key sectors such as railways, roads, ports and harbours. Other core areas of expertise include advising on shipping and maritime issues. It receives a steady flow of instructions on high-profile construction and infrastructure deals, real estate financings and energy transactions in Ghana, counting government entities, leading management consultancy firms, sponsors, project companies and lenders among its clients. The ‘fantastic’ Seth Asante is a key member of the team. Seyram Dzikunu has extensive experience in corporate and commercial transactions relating to oil and gas, power and mining, and Elizabeth Ashun has a wealth of expertise in infrastructure, real estate development and finance projects.Practice head(s):
Seth Asante; Elizabeth Ashun; Seyram Dzikunu
Testimonials
‘Attention to detail; innovative solutions to client’s needs and carrying the client along throughout the entire process’.
‘Elizabeth Ashun has been the “go to” person in my dealings with the firm. Her responsiveness and feedback are impressive’.
‘Very good team. Available and competitive in term of costs. Good know-how about infrastructure legal advice’.
‘Important know-how and huge availability to work as team with our company’.
Key clients
African Export-Import Bank
KPMG (Ministry of Transport)
Deloitte (Ministry of Finance)
Team Engineering SpA and Vision Consult Limited
PricewaterhouseCoopers (Ghana) Limited
A.P Moller Capital
Reall
Devtraco Builders Limited
Webber Wentzel
Gide Loyrette Nouel A.A.R.P. I
Open Access Data Centres Limited
Baker & McKenzie
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Work highlights
- Acting as legal sub-consultant to the transaction advisors to the Ministry of Railways in Ghana and Ministère des Transports de la Mobilité Urbaine et de la Sécurité Routière in Burkina Faso in connection with the Ghana –Burkina Faso Railway.
- Acting as legal sub-consultant to KPMG and Vision Consult, transaction advisors to the Ministry of Transport, in connection with the feasibility study for the development of the Volta Lake Inland Water Transport System.
- Acting as legal advisor to Afreximbank in a proposed debt facility of $65,800,000 to a project company in connection with the construction of a floating dry dock at the Takoradi Port.
Bentsi-Enchill, Letsa & Ankomah > Firm Profile
Bentsi-Enchill, Letsa & Ankomah(Bentsi-Enchill) is a leading full-service law firm in Ghana with in-depth expertise and experience in providing first-rate legal services for international and local clients in all sectors of the economy.
We are well-recognised for our leadership and stand out for providing commercially relevant legal services and innovative solutions to our clients.
What drives us is our long-term commitment to providing legal services with the highest level of professionalism and quality, as well as building our teams to help our clients succeed and take advantage of the right opportunities.
Bentsi-Enchill operates under four (4) specialised partner-led practice groups.
Our practice groups are:
Financial nstitutions and capital markets
Bentsi-Enchill, Letsa & Ankomah was founded in 1990 with the mission to provide our clients with excellent market-leading legal services. Over the years, we have built a reputation for our extensive knowledge and experience from working on the most complex transactions and disputes for foreign investors, local companies, statutory entities and the government.
Our approach is simple. We think differently and lead the way in creating structures that meet the needs of our clients. We understand that our clients operate in increasingly challenging times and are committed to partnering with them to help them navigate these challenges and deliver the highest-quality advice and service.
Main Contacts
Department | Name | Telephone | |
---|---|---|---|
Disputes | Ace Anan Ankomah, Managing Partner / Head | aaankomah@bentsienchill.com | +233.302.208888 |
Energy and Infrastructure | Seth Kwasi Asante, Head | seth.asante@bentsienchill.com | +233.302.208888 |
Disputes | Daad Akwesi | dakwesi@bentsienchill.com | +233.302.208888 |
Financial Institutions and Capital Markets | Seth Kwasi Asante, Head | seth.asante@bentsienchill.com | +233.302.208888 |
Corporate Commercial | Susan Adjorkor Kumapley, Head | susan-b.a.kumapley@bentsienchill.com | +233.302.208888 |
Corporate Commercial | Angela Gyasi | aagyasi@bentsienchill.com | +233.302.208888 |
Financial Institutions and Capital Markets | Frank Akowuah | fnakowuah@bentsienchill.com | +233.302.208888 |
Energy and Infrastructure | Seyram Dzikunu | sdzikunu@bentsienchill.com | +233.302.208888 |
Disputes | Golda Denyo | gdenyo@bentsienchill.com | +233.302.208888 |
Disputes | Gloria Cofie | gacofie@bentsienchill.com | +233.302.208888 |
Disputes | Nania Owusu-Ankomah Sackey | nowusu-ankomah@bentsienchill.com | +233.302.208888 |
Energy and Infrastructure | Elizabeth Ashun | eashun@bentsienchill.com | +233.302.208888 |
Meet The Team(s)
Lawyer Profiles
Staff Figures
Number of lawyers : 29Languages
EnglishMemberships
Ghana Bar Association Lex Mundi Lex Africa- Banking and finance
- Capital markets
- Commercial, corporate and M&A
- Dispute resolution
- Energy
- Infrastructure projects