Justice

Akoto-Ampaw Social Justice Initiative

Akoto-Ampaw Social Justice Initiative

We are honoured to bring you compliments from the the Management Committee, partners and staff of our law and policy practice, Merton & Everett LLP, and write on their behalf to express our sincere appreciation of the work of Songtaba in creating a culture of social justice, good governance and the respect for human rights in Ghana.

We are also excited to announce formally that, in order to honour the remarkable legacy of Mr. Anthony Akoto-Ampaw Esq., our firm has voted to launch the Akoto-Ampaw Initiative for Social Justice (CSO Pro Bono Legal Support Programme).

As you are likely aware, Mr. Akoto-Ampaw was, during his lifetime, a beacon of justice, an esteemed human rights lawyer, and a dedicated social justice activist. In establishing this initiative, our law firm aims to uphold his ideals and contribute meaningfully to the promotion of social justice and the consolidation of good governance in Ghana.

Purpose of Akoto-Ampaw Initiative

The Akoto-Ampaw Initiative for Social Justice has been designed with the primary objective of providing pro bono legal services to selected Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) that are actively engaged in advancing human rights, social justice, and promoting good governance. We recognize the invaluable role that CSOs play in advocating for positive societal change, and we are committed to supporting your organisation in its noble pursuits.

Types Of Legal Support Offered

Through the initiative, our law firm is prepared to offer a range of legal services to CSOs that sign up for our support. These services include, but are not limited to:

  1. Legal Consultation: Providing expert legal advice on matters relevant to your organisation’s activities.
  2. Legal Representation: Offering representation in legal proceedings that align with the mission and objectives of your organisation.
  3. Policy Advocacy: Assisting in the development and review of policies to ensure legal compliance and effectiveness in achieving your organisation’s goals.
  4. Regulatory and Tax Compliance Support: One crucial aspect of the legal services provided through the Akoto-Ampaw Initiative is regulatory and tax compliance support. In today’s dynamic legal landscape, civil society organisations often face complex regulatory and tax frameworks that govern their activities. Ensuring compliance with these regulations is paramount to maintaining the integrity and effectiveness of your organisation’s
  5. Our experienced legal team is dedicated to assisting your organisation in navigating and adhering to relevant laws, regulations, and policies.

The Regulatory compliance support will include:

  1. Legal Audits: Conducting comprehensive assessments of your organisation’s operations to identify potential areas of legal concern or non-compliance.
  2. Policy Review and Development: Collaborating with your team to review and, if necessary, develop policies that align with legal requirements and best practices in your field.
  3. Governmental and Regulatory Liaison: Acting as a liaison between your organisation and relevant governmental bodies to facilitate communication and ensure smooth compliance with regulatory requirements.
  4. Training and Capacity Building: Providing educational sessions and materials to enhance your team’s understanding of the ever-evolving legal landscape, empowering them to proactively address compliance issues.
  5. Risk Management: Offering guidance on risk mitigation strategies and implementing measures to minimise legal risks associated with your organisation’s activities.

The Tax compliance support will include:

    1. Tax Planning: Collaborating with your financial team to develop tax-efficient strategies that align with your organisation’s grant management goals and
    2. Tax Filings and Reporting: Ensuring timely and accurate preparation and submission of all required tax filings, including annual returns and any other documentation mandated by tax authorities.
    3. Exemption and Deduction Optimization: Leveraging our expertise to identify and maximise potential tax exemptions and deductions available to non-profit and civil society organisations.
    4. Audit Support: Providing assistance and representation in the event of a tax audit, ensuring that your organisation is well-prepared and in compliance with tax laws.
    5. Educational Workshops: Conducting workshops and training sessions to enhance your team’s understanding of tax regulations and obligations, empowering them to make informed financial decisions.

How To Benefit From The Initiative

If your organisation is interested in joining the Akoto-Ampaw Initiative for Social Justice (CSO Pro Bono Legal Support Programme) please express your interest to us through our email partnerships@mertoneverett.com, by 28 March 2024. Our team will then initiate discussions to understand your organisation’s legal needs and tailor our support accordingly.

We firmly believe that by working together, we can make a meaningful impact on the pursuit of justice, human rights, and good governance in Ghana.