Anthony Akoto Ampaw, popularly known as “Sheey Sheey” or “Che Che”, was one of Ghana’s most distinguished lawyers, fearless human rights activists, and legal intellectuals of his generation.
For over five decades, he dedicated his life to the pursuit of justice, the defense of civil liberties, and the promotion of human dignity in Ghana and across Africa.
He is best remembered as the lead counsel for President Nana Akufo-Addo in the 2020 presidential election petition before the Supreme Court of Ghana, and as a tireless advocate for press freedom, constitutional rights, and social justice.
His untimely passing on October 20, 2023, left a profound void in Ghana’s legal and civil society landscape.
Profile Details
| Full Name | Anthony Akoto Ampaw |
| Born | 1950, Hohoe, Gold Coast (now Ghana) |
| Died | October 20, 2023 (aged 72–73) |
| Place of Death | University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC), Accra, Ghana |
| Nationality | Ghanaian |
| Occupation | Lawyer, Human Rights Activist |
| Religion | Christianity (Presbyterian Church of Ghana) |
| Relationship | Married (with children) |
| Siblings | Princess Consolata Akoto Ampaw (deceased), Annette Akoto Ampaw (deceased), Michael Akoto Ampaw, Bernard Akoto Ampaw, Dr. Ako Akoto Ampaw, and others |
Early Life
Anthony Akoto Ampaw was born in 1950 in Hohoe, then part of the British Gold Coast (present-day Ghana). He was the son of a teacher and a nurse — a family background that instilled in him a deep respect for knowledge, service, and civic duty. Growing up in post-independence Ghana, Akoto Ampaw was shaped by the idealism and activism of that era, developing a strong interest in politics, social justice, and the law from an early age.
During his student days at the University of Ghana, he became known for his sharp intellect, his outspoken advocacy, and his activist spirit. It was during this period that he earned his famous nickname “Sheey Sheey” (also rendered as “Che Che” a reference to the Cuban revolutionary Che Guevara), reflecting his radical commitment to justice and his reputation as a passionate, fearless voice for the oppressed. His mates and teachers at the then Law Faculty of the University of Ghana attested to his above-average academic credentials and the depth of his legal and philosophical thinking.
Education
Akoto Ampaw pursued a distinguished academic and legal education. He attended the prestigious Achimota School in Accra for his secondary education, where he developed his keen interest in politics and social justice. He then proceeded to the University of Ghana, where he earned his LL.B (Bachelor of Laws, Honours) — graduating in the Class of 1973. He subsequently attended the Ghana School of Law, earning his B.L. (Barrister at Law) — graduating in the Class of 1993. He was also called to the Bar at the Middle Temple in London, one of the four Inns of Court of England and Wales a mark of international legal distinction.
Career
Akoto Ampaw’s legal career spanned over five decades and encompassed some of the most landmark cases in Ghana’s legal history. He was a partner at the law firm Akufo-Addo, Prempeh & Co., the firm founded by President Nana Akufo-Addo. His areas of legal expertise included Commercial Law, Company Law, Industrial Law, and Litigation.
He first gained national prominence as a member of the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) legal team during the Electoral Petition of 2013 — the landmark case that challenged the results of the 2012 presidential election in Ghana. His sharp legal arguments and commanding courtroom presence made him a standout figure in those proceedings.
His most defining legal achievement came when he served as lead counsel for President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo in the 2020 Presidential Election Petition before the Supreme Court of Ghana. The petition, filed by the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) challenging Akufo-Addo’s victory in the December 2020 elections, was dismissed by the Supreme Court. Akoto Ampaw’s masterful legal arguments were widely credited with securing the outcome in favor of his client.
In 2022, he also served as lead counsel for Oliver Barker-Vormawor, the convenor of the FixTheCountry Movement, when he was charged with treason felony a case that attracted national and international attention and was seen as a test of Ghana’s commitment to civil liberties and freedom of expression.
Beyond his high-profile cases, Akoto Ampaw was deeply committed to pro bono legal work, offering his services free of charge to the poor, unions, and civil society organizations. He was involved in environmental activism, represented labor unions, and championed causes related to freedom of expression, constitutional rights, and anti-corruption. He also tipped to be named Ghana’s first Special Prosecutor following the presidential assent to the Office of Special Prosecutor Bill a recognition of the trust placed in his integrity and legal expertise.
Ampaw was known for his outspokenness, his analytical mind, and his willingness to engage with controversial issues including his advocacy for the decriminalization of LGBTQ+ rights in Ghana, a position that earned him both admiration and criticism in the deeply conservative Ghanaian society.
Awards & Recognition
- Named as potential first Special Prosecutor of Ghana recognition of his integrity and legal excellence
- Celebrated at his burial service by President Akufo-Addo, Chief Justice Gertrude Torknornoo, and leading Ghanaian intellectuals and civil society figures
- Recognized by the Trades Union Congress (TUC) for decades of free professional legal services to the union
- Honored by media expert Prof. Kwame Karikari for his role in Ghana’s press freedom advocacy
- Tributes from leading civil society organizations across Ghana and Africa
Social Media
During his lifetime, Akoto Ampaw was an active commentator on public and legal affairs. He regularly appeared on Ghanaian television and radio programs to discuss national issues. While he maintained a relatively limited direct social media presence compared to younger activists, his interviews and commentary were widely shared across social media platforms. He is frequently referenced and cited on Twitter/X, Facebook, and YouTube in the context of Ghana’s legal and political discourse.
Personal Life
Akoto Ampaw was a devoted family man. He was married and had children. He was also a committed Christian and a member of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana. He is survived by his siblings including Michael Akoto Ampaw, Bernard Akoto Ampaw, and Dr. Ako Akoto Ampaw. Two of his sisters, Princess Consolata Akoto Ampaw and Annette Akoto Ampaw, predeceased him.
Those who knew him personally describe him as generous, wise, and humble a man who offered legal counsel and personal guidance freely to people from all walks of life. Professor Kwame Karikari noted at his memorial service that Akoto Ampaw was “generous to many people, both young and old, with wise counseling to solve personal problems the same way he offered free professional legal services, especially to the poor and needy.”
He was not well throughout much of 2023, and sadly passed away on October 20, 2023, at the University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC) in Accra. His death was met with an outpouring of grief from Ghanaians across the political spectrum, from the President and Chief Justice to civil society activists and ordinary citizens. His funeral and burial service, held on December 15, 2023, was attended by President Akufo-Addo, his wife Rebecca, the Chief Justice, and a host of leading Ghanaian personalities.
Net Worth
While Akoto Ampaw’s exact net worth was never publicly disclosed, as a senior partner at one of Ghana’s most prestigious law firms and a practitioner of over five decades, his financial standing was that of a comfortable and established professional. His dedication to pro bono work meant that a significant portion of his legal services was given freely a fact that speaks not to a lack of financial means, but to an extraordinary depth of character. His estimated net worth at the time of his passing is believed to have been in the range of $500,000 – $1 million USD.
FAQs
Who was Akoto Ampaw?
Anthony Akoto Ampaw was a Ghanaian lawyer and human rights activist, best known as the lead counsel for President Akufo-Addo in the 2020 election petition.
When did Akoto Ampaw die?
He died on October 20, 2023, at the University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC) in Accra.
What was Akoto Ampaw’s nickname?
He was popularly known as “Sheey Sheey” or “Che Che” a nickname he earned during his student days at the University of Ghana.
Where did Akoto Ampaw study?
He studied at the University of Ghana (LL.B, Class of 1973), the Ghana School of Law (B.L, Class of 1993), and was also called to the Bar at the Middle Temple in London.
What was Akoto Ampaw known for?
He was known for his role as lead counsel in the 2020 election petition, his advocacy for human rights and press freedom, his pro bono legal work, and his outspoken public commentary on national issues.
Conclusion
Anthony Akoto Ampaw’s biography is the story of a remarkable Ghanaian who gave his life in service to justice, truth, and the dignity of his fellow citizens. From his activist days as a student nicknamed after Che Guevara, to his commanding presence in Ghana’s highest court, he remained consistent in his core values: a belief in the rule of law, the importance of human rights, and the necessity of holding power accountable. Ghana lost a giant on October 20, 2023, but the principles he stood for and the cases he fought will continue to shape the country’s legal and democratic landscape for generations to come. His name will forever be associated with courage, brilliance, and service.
