An In-Depth Guide to the Top Law Firms in Ghana for 2025
Ghana’s legal market is a sophisticated and dynamic hub for commerce in West Africa. Fueled by a stable political environment and a growing economy, the nation attracts significant foreign investment, requiring high-caliber legal services. This demand has cultivated a competitive landscape of highly capable legal professionals. Key economic sectors like oil and gas, mining, financial services, and large-scale infrastructure projects continually drive the need for expert legal counsel. This article provides a detailed, evidence-based analysis of the top law firms in Ghana, helping you navigate this complex market.
How We Assessed Ghana’s Premier Corporate Law Firms
To identify the best legal counsel in Ghana, this report synthesizes findings from the three most respected international legal directories: Chambers and Partners, The Legal 500, and the International Financial Law Review (IFLR1000). These organizations are the global standard for legal rankings, employing rigorous, independent research that includes in-depth interviews with clients and competing lawyers. A “Tier 1” or “Band 1” ranking signifies a firm’s preeminence, reflecting its technical ability, client service, commercial astuteness, and involvement in the market’s most significant transactions and disputes.
The Tiers of Ghana’s Legal Market
Our analysis reveals a clear structure within Ghana’s corporate legal market, led by a select group of elite law firms that consistently achieve the highest ratings.
- The Elite Tier: This undisputed top echelon includes Bentsi-Enchill, Letsa & Ankomah (BELA), the pan-African giant ENSafrica, and the dynamic and rapidly ascending N. Dowuona & Company.
- Premier Competitors (Tier 2): Immediately following the elite are formidable firms that are leaders in their own right. This group includes the pan-African focused AB & David Africa, the award-winning JLD & MB Legal Consultancy, and the transaction-focused Kimathi & Partners, Corporate Attorneys.
- Challenger Firms: This tier consists of highly capable firms with significant competitive advantages, such as Reindorf Chambers (member of DLA Piper Africa), Templars, Africa Legal Associates, and Koranteng & Koranteng Legal Advisors.
At-a-Glance Comparison of Leading Ghanaian Law Firms
Firm Name | Market Position Synopsis | Core Strengths (Consistently Tier 1 / Band 1) | Key Leadership | International Affiliation |
---|---|---|---|---|
Bentsi-Enchill, Letsa & Ankomah (BELA) | Legacy Tier 1 Leader & Independent Powerhouse | Dispute Resolution, Banking & Finance, Corporate/Commercial, Projects & Energy | Seth Asante, Ace Anan Ankomah | Lex Mundi |
ENSafrica | Pan-African Giant with Integrated Ghana Office | Banking & Finance, Capital Markets, Corporate/M&A, Energy, Infrastructure, Dispute Resolution | Paa Kwesi Morrison | ENSafrica Network |
N. Dowuona & Company | Agile Market Ascendant & ALN Member | Corporate/Commercial, Banking & Finance, Projects & Energy | NanaAma Botchway | Africa Legal Network (ALN) |
AB & David Africa | Pan-African Network Builder & Infrastructure Specialist | Projects & Energy, Infrastructure & PPPs | David Ofosu-Dorte, Isabel Boaten | AB & David Africa Network |
JLD & MB Legal Consultancy | Award-Winning Transactional & Energy Firm | Energy & Natural Resources, Banking & Finance, Corporate/Commercial | Merene Benyah, Lily Acquaye, Zoe Phillips Takyi-Appiah | Nextlaw Referral Network |
Kimathi & Partners | Specialized Transactional & Disputes Firm | Banking & Finance, Corporate/Commercial, Projects & Energy, Dispute Resolution | Kimathi Kuenyehia Sr. | Independent |
Reindorf Chambers | Global Network Firm (DLA Piper Africa) | Corporate/Commercial, Dispute Resolution, Projects & Energy | Fui Tsikata | DLA Piper Africa |
Templars | Major West African Firm with Ghana Expansion | Energy & Natural Resources, Finance, Corporate & Commercial | Augustine Kidisil | Templars Network |
Comprehensive Profiles of Top Law Firms in Ghana
The following detailed profiles offer a deeper understanding of the capabilities, leadership, and market standing of Ghana’s leading legal practices.
Bentsi-Enchill, Letsa & Ankomah (BELA)
Universally known as BELA, this full-service, independent firm is a cornerstone of the Ghanaian legal establishment. Consistently ranked Tier 1 across all major practice areas, BELA is lauded for its ability to handle the most complex transactions and disputes. The firm’s status as a preeminent force was cemented by winning “Ghana Law Firm of the Year” from both IFLR (2025) and Chambers and Partners (2024).
- Leadership: Managed by Seth Asante, a legal veteran described as an “elder statesman,” and Senior Partner Ace Anan Ankomah, one of Ghana’s most preeminent dispute resolution lawyers.
- Core Strengths: Flagship practices in Dispute Resolution (litigation and international arbitration), Financial Institutions & Capital Markets, and Energy & Infrastructure.
- Landmark Work: Advised on the landmark MTN Ghana IPO, acted on the ESLA Plc bond issuance (the largest on the Ghanaian market), and famously represented a client in a dispute that led to the arrest of the Argentine naval frigate ARA Libertad in Ghana.
- International Alliance: Member of Lex Mundi, the world’s leading network of independent law firms.
ENSafrica (Ghana)
As Africa’s largest law firm, ENSafrica offers an integrated “one firm” approach with over 600 practitioners across the continent. Its Accra office is a dominant market force, consistently ranked in Tier 1 for Banking & Finance, Corporate/M&A, Dispute Resolution, and Energy. The firm is a go-to choice for major clients with multi-jurisdictional needs in Africa.
- Leadership: Key partners in Ghana include Paa Kwesi Morrison (highly ranked in Projects & Energy and Banking & Finance) and David A. Asiedu (a “premier litigator” and top dispute resolution lawyer).
- Core Strengths: Particularly well-versed in Projects & Energy, advising on high-value electricity, mining, and oil and gas transactions. Also a powerhouse in Banking & Finance and Corporate/M&A.
- International Alliance: Operates as a single, cohesive entity across its African offices, offering a “one-stop shop” for continent-wide legal requirements.
N. Dowuona & Company
Founded in 2011, N. Dowuona & Company has seen a remarkable and rapid ascent to become one of the country’s elite corporate law firms. Praised for its modern approach and deep commercial knowledge, the firm is consistently ranked Band 1 for its flagship Corporate/Commercial practice. Its dynamism was recognized when it was named “Ghana Law Firm of the Year” by Chambers in 2023.
- Leadership: Spearheaded by Managing Partner NanaAma Botchway, a dominant figure in the market who is ranked Band 1 for both Banking & Finance and Corporate/Commercial.
- Core Strengths: A leader in Corporate/Commercial and M&A, frequently acting as local counsel on Ghana’s most significant corporate deals. Also boasts strong practices in Banking & Finance and Energy & Infrastructure.
- International Alliance: The exclusive Ghanaian member of ALN (Africa Legal Network), a premier alliance of leading independent firms across Africa.
AB & David Africa
AB & David Africa is a prominent pan-African firm distinguished by its top-tier, Band 1 practice in Projects & Energy and its focus on infrastructure development. The firm operates its own network of offices across Africa and is the first African law firm to be awarded the England Law Society’s Lexcel accreditation for quality standards.
- Leadership: Led by Senior Partner David Ofosu-Dorte, a highly regarded lawyer ranked Band 1 in Projects & Energy for 19 years.
- Core Strengths: A market leader in Infrastructure & PPPs and Projects & Energy. The firm has deep experience in oil & gas, mining, and major infrastructure transactions.
- Landmark Work: Advised on the merger of Tigo Ghana and Airtel Ghana, the Aker Energy Deep Water Tano Cape Three Points oil find, and the financing for the Accra Tema Motorway Project.
- International Alliance: Operates its own AB & David Africa Network across six African countries.
JLD & MB Legal Consultancy
An award-winning corporate and commercial firm, JLD & MB Legal Consultancy is known for its expertise in energy, finance, and corporate transactions. The firm is consistently ranked in the top tiers and is lauded for its solution-oriented advice and a dynamic leadership team of female partners. It won “Ghana Law Firm of the Year” from both Chambers (2022) and IFLR (2021).
- Leadership: The firm is led by a team of respected partners including Lily Acquaye and Zoe Phillips Takyi-Appiah.
- Core Strengths: Strong practices in Energy and Natural Resources, Financial Services, and Corporate and Commercial Transactions.
- Landmark Work: Acted as legal counsel for Ghana’s first-ever lithium project (Ewoyaa project) and notably obtained the first-ever Electronic Money Institution (EMI) license in Ghana for Zeepay.
- International Alliance: Member of the Nextlaw Referral Network and collaborates with major international law firms.
Kimathi & Partners, Corporate Attorneys
Kimathi & Partners is a highly specialized firm focused exclusively on serving foreign governments, global multinationals, and Fortune 500 companies. It positions itself as providing legal services comparable to those in New York or London and operates a 24-hour practice to meet the demands of its international clientele. The firm holds Tier 1 rankings from The Legal 500 in multiple practice areas.
- Leadership: Driven by its renowned, Harvard-educated Managing Partner, Kimathi Kuenyehia Sr., the first and only African to win the IBA “Outstanding Young Lawyer of the Year” award.
- Core Strengths: Recognized for its expertise across Banking & Finance, M&A, Projects & Energy, and Dispute Resolution.
- Landmark Work: Successfully represented Ghana Power Generation Company to win a USD 170 million damages claim against the Government of Ghana and advised Golar LNG on Sub-Saharan Africa’s first FSRU project.
- International Alliance: Operates as an independent, specialized entity.
Reindorf Chambers (DLA Piper Africa)
A long-standing Ghanaian firm, Reindorf Chambers’ market position is significantly enhanced by its membership in DLA Piper Africa. This affiliation provides clients with deep local expertise combined with the resources of a major global law firm. The firm holds solid rankings across Corporate/Commercial, Dispute Resolution, and Projects & Energy.
- Leadership: Anchored by Senior Partner Fui Tsikata, a highly esteemed lawyer ranked as a “Senior Statesperson” by Chambers.
- Core Strengths: Maintains a wide-reaching commercial practice with strengths in M&A, finance, renewable energy deals, and mining developments.
- International Alliance: A key member of DLA Piper Africa, providing seamless access to a global legal network.
Templars
Originally a Nigerian powerhouse, Templars has strategically expanded into Ghana, establishing a significant Accra presence. The firm leverages its deep experience from the Nigerian market in sectors like energy and finance to serve a growing list of international and local clients, quickly earning rankings from legal directories for its work in Banking & Finance and Corporate/M&A.
- Leadership: The Ghana office is managed by Augustine B. Kidisil, who is driving the firm’s local growth.
- Core Strengths: Offers comprehensive services with notable experience in Energy & Natural Resources, Banking & Finance, and complex M&A.
- Landmark Work: The Ghana office advised Electrochem Ghana on a USD 30 million equity investment from Ghana’s sovereign fund (MIIF). The firm’s regional experience includes advising on Tolaram’s acquisition of Guinness Nigeria Plc.
- International Alliance: Operates as part of the broader Templars network.
Strategic Recommendations for Engagement
Selecting the right firm from this list of top law firms in Ghana depends entirely on your specific needs.
- For Large-Scale, Cross-Border M&A: Firms with integrated global networks like ENSafrica and Reindorf Chambers (DLA Piper Africa) are ideal. BELA is also a top contender for complex international work.
- For Major Infrastructure & Energy Projects: Look to the Band 1 ranked firms in this sector. AB & David Africa has built its brand on this, while BELA and ENSafrica are also premier choices.
- For High-Stakes Disputes & Arbitration: The reputation of the individual litigator is key. BELA (led by Ace Anan Ankomah), ENSafrica (with David A. Asiedu), and Kimathi & Partners (with its major arbitration wins) are formidable choices.
- For Agile, High-Growth & Fintech Ventures: Firms with a modern, innovative approach are best. N. Dowuona & Company and JLD & MB Legal Consultancy have demonstrated market-disrupting momentum and are excellent partners for dynamic businesses.
The Ghanaian corporate legal market is mature and competitive, offering a range of excellent options. Whether your priority is global reach, local influence, or agile specialization, there is a top-tier Ghanaian law firm well-equipped to support your business goals.