UGSoL honours Bernard Owusu-Twumasi with November Legend Award

The University of Ghana School of Law (UGSoL) has honoured distinguished alumnus Mr. Bernard Owusu-Twumasi with the Legend Award for November. The recognition ceremony took place on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, at Shiashie, Accra, in celebration of his remarkable contributions to the nation and his entrepreneurial achievements.

Speaking at the event, Kwame Awadzie, representing the Dean, management, and students of UGSoL, emphasised the importance of staying connected with the school’s alumni. “The University of Ghana, School of Law, has a vast community of alumni, and we’ve put in place strategies to ensure that we are always in touch with them. This is also a way of recognising them for their achievements, particularly in their professional fields,” he said.

Mr. Awadzie noted the rigorous selection process that culminated in Mr. Owusu-Twumasi being chosen for the honor. “It was a very difficult task for the committee to settle on you because many alumni were qualified. But when we dug further, we realised that lawyer Bernard Owusu-Twumasi has truly practicalized what we call entrepreneurial skills. We are proud of you,” he added.

As part of the honour, Mr. Owusu-Twumasi received a plaque and UGSoL souvenirs.

In his acceptance speech, Mr. Owusu-Twumasi expressed gratitude for the gesture and reflected on the impact of the institution on his career. “It goes without saying, UGSoL is the premier institution of legal education in Ghana. Most lawyers have passed through its walls. I encourage my fellow alumni to give back, especially under the leadership of Professor Atuguba. Together, we can help transform the faculty into a hub with modern facilities, even with spaces alumni can rent as offices someday.”

Adding her voice to the accolades, the Chief Executive of Apex Health Insurance, Patricia Yeboah, highlighted Mr. Owusu-Twumasi’s entrepreneurial prowess. She lauded his establishment of a chain of companies employing over 300 people, contributing significantly to reducing unemployment in Ghana.

About Bernard Owusu-Twumasi

Bernard Owusu-Twumasi’s journey from humble beginnings in Kumawu, where he worked on farms to fund his education, to becoming an accomplished lawyer, entrepreneur, and international thought leader, has been fuelled by a single guiding principle: the desire to continuously better himself while positively impacting the world. This guiding philosophy has led him to achieve remarkable success, both academically and professionally.

Early Education and Academic Pursuits

Starting his education at Presbyterian Primary and Middle Schools in Kumawu, Bernard completed his Ordinary Level Certificate at Tweneboah Koduah Secondary School in 1993. He went on to Kumasi High School, where he earned his Advanced Level Certificate in 1996.

Not one to rest on his laurels, Bernard further pursued academic excellence, obtaining:

• A Bachelor of Science (BSc Hons.) in Tourism from the University of Cape Coast.
• A Post-First Degree Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) in 2005, followed by a qualifying certificate to practice law and a Barrister-at-Law Certificate from the Ghana School of Law in 2007.
• An Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) from the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA).
• A Certificate in Executive Education and Leadership in Law Firms from Harvard Law School in 2012.
• A Master of Laws (LL.M.) in International Commercial and Corporate Law (2023), and he is currently pursuing another LL.M. in Commercial Law from Queen Mary University, London.

Professional Ventures and Entrepreneurial Success

Bernard is not only a scholar but also a man of action, demonstrating his entrepreneurial spirit through several successful ventures. He co-founded Sedem Travel and Tours in 2000 and went on to establish Oak House Private Investigations, Ghana’s first private investigations company, after completing an academic course in private investigations in London.

Further expanding his influence in the legal and business sectors, Bernard founded:

• Oak and Wuuds Law, a boutique law firm specialising in financial instruments and litigation, serving leading financial institutions in Ghana.
• Apex Capital Partners, an investment firm.
• Apex Health Insurance, a leading health insurance company recognised for its innovative approach to healthcare coverage.
• Apex Trustees, a prominent pension fund company.
• Progress Savings and Loans, a notable non-banking financial institution.
• Effiduase Rural Bank, contributing to the growth of rural financial services in Ghana.
• BOT Properties, a leading real estate company with notable portfolios across the region.

Continued Growth and Impact

Bernard’s entrepreneurial and academic pursuits continue to grow as he leverages his diverse background to make a meaningful impact in multiple sectors, from law to finance, insurance, and real estate. His commitment to excellence, leadership, and creating positive change remains unwavering as he strives to be the best version of himself while making the world a better place.