Bentsi-Enchill, Letsa & Ankomah (BEL&A) is a private partnership, incorporated under the laws of the Republic of Ghana. The practice was started by Kojo Bentsi-Enchill as a sole practitioner with 2 associates in 1988, and was incorporated in 1990 when he was joined by Divine Kweku Letsa. Ace Anan Ankomah was elected to the partnership in October 2000. The Firm now has 7 partners (with Seth Asante and Rosa Kudoadzi (Mrs.) having been elected as partners in 2003, Susan-Barbara Adjorkor Kumapley (Mrs.) in 2010 and Angela Gyasi (Miss) in 2013), 5 Senior Associates, 10 Associates.

MISSION

Our mission is to excel in client service and contribute to the legal profession and society in general. We tackle challenging projects creatively, conduct legal research and due diligence painstakingly, and offer fearless representation to our clients. We work hard at getting better by recruiting high-calibre professional and administrative staff, and developing through continuing legal education, seminars and conferences. We are team players and we believe in meeting deadlines and delivering our work on time. We go the extra mile to ensure that the entire project is successful.

ORGANISATION

The firm has seven (7) partner-led Practice Groups, namely Energy & Natural Resources (headed by Kojo), Construction, Infrastructure & Transportation (headed by Divine), Litigation & Dispute Resolution (headed by Ace), Financial Institutions & Capital Markets (headed by Seth), Business & Industry (headed by Rosa), Technology, Media & Telecommunications (headed by Adjorkor) and Labour & Immigration (headed by Angela). Ace Anan Ankomah was announced as Managing Partner in December 2010.

The firm is committed to providing an unparalleled quality of legal services. With a large and stable professional staff, the firm gives continuous general representation to several corporations spanning all the important areas of corporate law, by assigning the appropriate partner and staff person (in terms of skill, experience, interest and cost effectiveness) to each matter. Having sponsored the compilation of a text database of Ghana's reported cases, legislation and law journal articles by its subsidiary, DataCenta, the firm is in a good position to quickly access all the relevant existing legislation, analyse their import and recommend relevant policies.

ASSOCIATIONS

BEL&A is the Ghana member of Lex Mundi and Lex Africa. It is also the Ghana associate firm of SNR Denton's African Practice. The firm has a close association with the leading Nigerian law firm of Udo Udoma & Belo-Osagie. Regular referrals of work from major international law firms such as Clifford Chance, Linklaters & Paines, and Lovells and a good working relationship with Stephenson Harwood give the firm quick access in an emergency to specialised legal literature.

MENTIONS


Chambers Global (2013): "They are truly strong in the corporate field and their profile in the local market continues to grow." "They're very accustomed to cross-border deals, and they work to a global standard."Seth Asante receives high praise from commentators: "He's down to earth and responsive, and has an excellent commercial sense of what clients are after." He excels in capital markets, and also leads on a number of large M&A deals. In the energy sector, the highly respected Kojo Bentsi-Enchill remains a dominant force. Project finance highlights include work for ICBC.Divine Letsa is a key specialist for construction and transportation sector matters, and advised Lonrho Air 4 on an aircraft lease agreement with 540 Ghana. A member of the firm's corporate team, Rosalind Kudoadzi is lauded for her "good commercial sense."Susan-Barbara Kumapley is a "brilliant lawyer" who is commended for her commitment to clients' interests. She is also known for her expertise in the TMT sector. Renowned litigator Ace Ankomah is the firm's managing partner. One source pointed out that "he is very convincing when he stands in court."

Chambers Global (2011): '"Bentsi-Enchill is arguably the big firm in Ghana today – the one that has the size and strength.' With 25 fee earners, Bentsi-Enchill continues to be the biggest firm in the country. It is a dominant player in M&A, oil and gas, capital markets and litigation. … Kojo Bentsi-Enchill is 'one of the best you will find in Ghana – ahead of everyone in terms of quality.' He is currently very active in the oil and gas sector, representing foreign investors and joint ventures and also working with the government. 'Kojo's work speaks for itself,' say peers. Ace Ankomah is head of the litigation team and enjoys an excellent reputation and high profile for commercial litigation: 'Everyone knows who Ace is.' Seth Asante specialises in capital markets as well as M&A, and has recently acted on major rights and bond issues and capital raisings. Rosalind Kudoadzi is respected for her work in corporate finance as well as restructuring and M&A. Divine Letsa leads the firm's property department and is also active in commercial work for oil companies. Sources say 'he produces work of a high quality.'”

International Financial Law Review (IFLR) - the Guide to the World's Leading Financial Law Firms (2011): "The firm remains the outright leading corporate practice across the board in Ghana. It continues to be the go-to firm for many of the country's biggest clients, despite the fact that the competition is hotting up and clients are increasingly naming other firms as being on a par for certain work. The firm combines experience with investment in training and a modern firm approach. 'Even though it is old school, it still has a business focus and they are completely in tune with industry,' says a competitor. 'It has a wide network of contacts with law firms outside the country, so if you want to work outside then they are the ones,' says a client. 'Bentsi-Enchill is clearly a leading firm,' says another client, and it is a sentiment echoed by others in project finance and banking.”

Chambers Global (2010): 'One of the few truly commercial law firms,' Bentsi-Enchill, Letsa & Ankomah is a very well-established leader in the country. It sets the benchmark for general business law, particularly corporate and finance matters. The experienced team has strong international credentials thanks to the firm's involvement in the Lex Mundi network and its association with Denton Wilde Sapte. Managing partner and head of the corporate department Kojo Bentsi-Enchill is renowned throughout Ghana and has greatly contributed to the firm's reputation. He is highly regarded for his problem-solving abilities and his experience of international matters. Seth Asante is lauded for his technical skills, particularly on capital markets deals. Peers consider it 'an honour to work with and against him on complex financial operations.' Ace Ankomah brings valuable litigation skills to the team and stands out due to his efficiency in court, as well as his corporate and tax expertise. Rosalind Kudoadzi is a specialist for corporate finance and banking. She is praised for her personality, dedication and ability to deliver real results.

IFLR (2010): The firm "… is regarded by clients and peers across the board as the dominant legal practice in the country for financial and corporate work. 'It is the only firm that is a proper firm, with trainee schemes and structured like a firm,' says one local partner. 'They have cornered the M&A market,' says a client of theirs, while a capital markets client says 'There is no one else in this market really - they monopolise.' A distinguishing feature is that the firm has depth beyond the named partners so that 'even if you do not get the big names, you are comfortable with the small people - they have a quick turnaround and are quality,' says one client. And according to another: 'They are excellent, with very good professionals and very responsive.'"

Chambers Global 2009: "This 'highly organised, efficient and influential firm of hard-working lawyers' is renowned for 'paving the way for corporate law practice in Ghana - it was the first in the market.' Sources emphasise its transactional strength and impressive local and international corporate client base. The firm is regarded by peers as 'tough competition.' Sources agree that the 'diligent, thorough and incredibly efficient' Kojo Bentsi-Enchill is an important member of the country's legal landscape, saying that he brings a valuable perspective gained from foreign training and exposure to the US and UK markets. Producing 'excellent quality work,' Seth Asante is particularly strong on capital markets matters. In the past year, he acted on a number of syndicated loan transactions and restructuring matters. Leading the firm's contentious practice, Ace Ankomah has high levels of expertise in tax and corporate litigation, and market sources describe him as a '... brilliant trial lawyer who impresses with his thorough preparation and great delivery in court.' A new entrant to the rankings this year, Rosalind Kudoadzi is highly recommended for her skill in corporate finance and banking..., she is 'an extremely incisive and bright lawyer.'"

Legal 500 (2009): "Within Capital markets, Bentsi-Enchill, Letsa & Ankomah is a first tier firm. Clients are quick to praise the talents of 'standout' commercial law firm Bentsi-Enchill, Letsa & Ankomah. The 'exceptional' commercial law firm Bentsi-Enchill, Letsa & Ankomah is also a Lex Mundi affiliate."

Chambers Global 2008: "The firm is a 'well-organised, smooth and professional firm is well respected for its longevity and immersion in the local market.' Prolific in representing international financial institutions, the team of 'top-calibre lawyers' is said to 'act on every important case around.' The Lawyers: Kojo Bentsi-Enchill is both 'intellectually strong' and 'exceptionally thorough.' He acts for banking and finance clients on domestic transactions. Seth Asante received strong praise for his capital markets work. He offers highly specialised advice on the securities industry and regulatory concerns. Ace Ankomah holds seminars on trends in the legal market, and clients rate his 'thorough understanding of Ghanaian society and ability to convey things in a comprehensible form.'”

Legal 500 (2007): "…Bentsi-Enchill, Letsa & Ankomah 'produces work of high quality with a high degree of professionalism and they provide ready answers, they don't fumble and tumble,' according to clients. Founder Mr. Kojo Bentsi-Enchill is described as 'detailed, meticulous and highly knowledgeable gentleman.' Seth Asante is described as one who 'demonstrates confidence, leadership and knowledge of the law.' BEL&A is also described as a firm that has 'solid experience in corporate finance.'”

Chambers Global (2006): "Clients lauded the firm for 'always being available when you need them urgently' and for taking the time to give you good advice.”

Chambers Global (2005): The firm is described as "the biggest and the best in Ghana," and commended for its "high professional standards." Kojo Bentsi-Enchill was described as possessing "everything you could want in a lawyer."

IFLR (2005): The firm "enjoys the distinction of being the only firm in Ghana in the top tier of every area of financial law."

The firm was ranked first in Banking and Finance, Insolvency and Restructuring, Mergers and Acquisitions and Project Finance, voted the leading legal services organization in Ghana, and noted as having uncommon "strength in depth" and "a thorough grasp of the details" by the first, second and third international survey of African Law Firms by Chambers Global, 2000-2001, 2001-2002 and 2002-2003.

DISCLAIMER

We have prepared the materials contained on this website as a public resource for informational and educational purposes only. We do not intend this information to be legal advice. It is neither intended to create, nor does receipt constitute an attorney-client relationship. This website contains general information on legal issues and is not a substitute for legal advice from a qualified lawyer licensed to practice law in Ghana. Please do not send any confidential information or materials to us without first discussing directly and entering into an attorney-client relationship with us..

Bentsi-Enchill, Letsa & Ankomah
First Floor, West Wing, Teachers' Hall Annex
4 Barnes Close, Education Loop (off Barnes Road)
P. O. Box GP 1632, Accra, Ghana

Phone: 233 – 302 – 220516 / 221171 / 224612 / 227187 / 229396 Fax: 233 - 302 - 226129
E-mail : bel@belonline.org /belm@africaonline.com.gh
Website: www.belonline.org