Kow Essuman champions arbitration and investment at AEA Congress in Madrid

At the ongoing Congress of the Association of European Attorneys (AEA) in Madrid, Kow Abaka Essuman, a seasoned Ghanaian lawyer and Vice President on the International Committee of the AEA Arbitration Court, welcomed the Court’s latest strategic developments aimed at enhancing the global use of arbitration as a preferred mode of dispute resolution.

In his remarks, Mr. Essuman lauded the announcement of a new direction for the Arbitration Court, noting that, “As attorneys, embracing arbitration will significantly benefit our clients and the sustainability of their businesses.

The mechanisms we are building within the Court will provide a reliable, efficient, and internationally trusted avenue for resolving cross-border commercial disputes.”

With a robust background in international arbitration, including his appointment to the ICSID Panel of Arbitrators of the World Bank, Mr. Essuman continues to play a pivotal role in strengthening institutional arbitration across jurisdictions.

The AEA is a global network of over 4,000 law firms and legal professionals, spanning more than 150 countries. It operates on a unique referral model, fostering intercontinental cooperation and client representation across legal systems.

Through its Arbitration Court, the AEA provides a neutral platform for resolving commercial and investment disputes, particularly beneficial for multinational transactions and businesses operating across borders.

Within the AEA, Mr. Essuman serves as one of the few African lawyers in a top leadership role, helping shape the Court’s policies and outreach.

His work on the International Committee focuses on expanding the Court’s global relevance and inclusivity, especially with regard to African jurisdictions. His legal insight, drawn from practice in Ghana, England & Wales, and New York, brings a valuable multicultural dimension to the Court’s governance.

Mr. Essuman is also the Chairman of VINT and Aletheia Attorneys and Consultants, a boutique law firm based in Accra, Ghana, with an office in New York, USA.

The firm, which is a member of the AEA, specialises in corporate law, investment advisory, arbitration, and compliance, and is dedicated to providing strategic legal solutions to clients operating across borders.

Encouraging collaboration beyond legal boundaries, Mr. Essuman used the opportunity to urge European and international attorneys to explore the vast economic opportunities in Ghana and West Africa.

“Ghana is a gateway to one of the most dynamic regions for investment in infrastructure, energy, technology, and legal services. I invite colleagues to advise their clients to invest in Ghana and to rely on the strength of arbitration to safeguard those investments,” he stated.

Mr. Essuman’s active engagement at the AEA Congress reflects his broader commitment to promoting rule-based dispute resolution mechanisms and positioning Ghana as a key destination for international legal and commercial collaboration.

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