Maataa Opare

Maataa Opare serves as the Non-Executive Chairperson of Hawkhurst & Dua Property Services. In addition to this role, she is the Founder and Managing Partner of Hawkhurst & Dua Associates a distinguished legal advisory firm that provides bespoke services to private clients and corporate entities. In this capacity, she oversees the firm’s strategic direction, ensuring operational excellence and delivering exceptional client service.

As a highly accomplished senior legal practitioner, Maataa is widely recognized for her legal expertise and commercial acumen. She is dual jurisdiction-qualified as a Solicitor of the Supreme Court of England & Wales and is called to the Bar in Ghana. With over 24 years of experience, she has advised on Banking & Finance, Corporate & Commercial Law, Contract Law, Arbitration, Energy Law, and Corporate Governance across both jurisdictions.

Maataa has extensive experience in structuring complex deals and project financing, having successfully facilitated project fundraising exceeding US$200 million. Her expertise spans financial structuring, risk assessment, and strategic investment planning.

Her extensive career includes a distinguished tenure at Fidelity Bank Ghana Ltd, where she held several key positions between 2011 and 2024, ultimately serving as Group Head of Legal & Company Secretary. Prior to this, she was a Specialist Contract Manager at Santander Private Banking UK, providing legal guidance to its offshore entities, share dealing services, and private banking operations. She also spent six years at Bank of Cyprus UK, gaining invaluable experience in financial and commercial law.

Leadership in Property & Business

In her role at Hawkhurst & Dua, Maataa is responsible for ensuring that the firm’s property services align with legal and regulatory standards while delivering outstanding value to clients. She plays a pivotal role in managing internal teams, fostering a culture of excellence, and driving business growth. Her deep understanding of business drivers, regulatory frameworks, and corporate governance makes her an asset to the firm’s continued success in the real estate sector.

Academic Background & Recognitions

Maataa holds a B.Sc. in Politics and International Relations from the University of Southampton, followed by a CPE and Legal Practice Course from the College of Law, Store Street, a Post-Call qualification from the Ghana School of Law, and an ESG in corporate governance.

Her professional achievements have earned her widespread recognition, including:

• Best Achiever in Legal Services Award (Banking Category)

• Induction into the Ghana Feminine Hall of Fame for outstanding contributions to the banking industry

• Ghana’s Top 100 Inspirational Women

• Honorary Award for contributions to youth development through the Head of State Award Scheme under the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award

• Business Executive Award for achievements in the Ghanaian banking sector

• Ghana Outstanding Woman in Banking & Finance (2021)

• Top 100 Inspirational Female Founders, Professionals, and Creators in Africa (2024) by the African Founders Conglomerate

• Citation by the Young African Women’s Congress (2024)

Governance & Advocacy

Beyond her legal and business endeavors, Maataa has been an influential leader in governance and gender advocacy. For 7 years she served as a Board Member of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), where she played a crucial role in corporate oversight and policy direction. As Patron of the ECG Power Queens, she actively championed gender equity and women’s empowerment within the energy sector.

A Legacy of Excellence

Maataa Opare’s journey is one of resilience, leadership, and innovation. Her impact spans legal practice, corporate governance, banking, and property services, positioning her as a trailblazer in Ghana and across Africa. Through her visionary leadership, she continues to shape industries, mentor future leaders, and contribute to sustainable business growth.