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When Michael Akafia joined Gold Fields four years ago, he built up its entire West African legal function from scratch.

As Ghana’s biggest taxpayer and one of its largest employers, building a ‘fit-for-purpose’, if ‘lean’ function was no small undertaking. ‘I dare say that we are a small legal team for a local giant and we punch way above our weight’, Akafia says.

During his time in the role, he has impressed peers and clients alike with his ability to navigate major deals, whilst finding the most cost-effective solutions and navigating pitfalls without unnecessary drama.

When dealing with outside counsel, Akafia suggests turnaround time, and regular communication, are areas outside counsel could commonly improve upon.