Chief Justice, Her ladyship Justice Getrude Torkornoo has eulogized late lawyer Anthony Akoto Ampaw describing him as a man of integrity who dedicated his life to fighting for justice, human rights, press freedom and democracy in Ghana and beyond.
The chief Justice in paying tribute to the late Akoto Ampaw said “as a lawyer in the courtroom his processes were always well researched, well-articulated and relevant”.
She indicated that “when Akoto Ampaw spoke, there was a good reason to speak and what he said added to the proceedings”.
Justice Getrude Torkornoo said these words when she joined scores of mourners who gathered at the National theater in Accra to pay their last respects and honor the memory of the late Lawyer Akoto Ampaw, who passed away after a short illness.
The remembrance service was a solemn occasion, as friends, family, colleagues, and admirers came together to celebrate the life and achievements of a legal luminary.
The event was marked with speeches, prayers, a reading of tributes, and music performances from the winneba Youth choir.
Attendees were reminded of Akoto Ampaw’s tireless advocacy for human rights, justice, and press freedom which earned him national and international recognition.
One of the speakers at the event, professor Kwame Karikari lauded Akoto Ampaw’s contribution to Ghana’s democracy, saying that Akoto Ampaw would forever be remembered as a true statesman who believed in the rule of law, social justice and, peace.
At the event, his immediate family also described the demise of Anthony Akoto Ampaw as a big loss to Country as he was a beacon of hope and an inspiration to everyone who believes in justice and human rights.
The late Lawyer Akoto Ampaw was a partner of the law firm, Akuffo Addo, Prempeh and Co.
In his illustrious career, he represented his political party the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), civil society organizations, and individuals on various high-profile cases.
He was part of the NPP legal team in the 2013 Election Petition, which challenged the election of President John Dramani Mahama but his party lost that famous court case.
It was the first election petition in Ghana’s history.
Again in 2021, when President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo was re-elected for a second term in office and former President John Mahama challenged the election results at the Supreme Court, Akoto Ampaw was again part of the legal team of President Akufo-Addo.
He specialized in commercial law, company law, industrial law, litigation, constitutional and human rights law, media law, labour law, investment law among others.
As a human rights activist, Akoto Ampaw joined hands with other individuals and civil society organizations to oppose the anti-LGBTQ+ Bill in Parliament. He opposed the bill sponsored by a Private Member’s motion.
The remembrance service was attended by a host of dignitaries, including prominent individuals.
The service closed with a somber moment as attendees paid their last respects to the late lawyer.
The late Akoto Ampaw popularly called “Sheey Sheey” died on Friday October 20, 2023 and would be buried on Friday December 15, 2023. He was 73 years old.
Story by: Coffie Emmanuel
