Private legal practitioner, Martin Kpebu has called on the Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, to provide a clear explanation for the state’s decision to discontinue several high-profile cases.
Among the cases is the trial of former Works and Housing Minister Collins Dauda and four others in connection with the $200 million Saglemi Affordable Housing Project.
The accused initially faced 70 charges, including causing financial loss to the state, but all charges have now been dropped by the Attorney General’s office.
Another case that has been discontinued is the controversial ambulance procurement trial involving former Majority Leader and now Finance Minister, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, and businessman Richard Jakpa.
These legal decisions have sparked criticism, with some alleging political considerations influenced the move.
Martin Kpebu emphasized the need for transparency from the Attorney General to address growing public concerns.
“He should give reasons. He should explain the decision, all of them. Some of them, the reasons are not far-fetched,” Kpebu stated.
He specifically pointed to the ambulance case, arguing that there were clear signs of political interference under the former Attorney General, Godfred Dame.
“You catch him on the Jakpa tape, saying that President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and Ken Ofori-Atta are on his neck to get Ato Forson convicted by hook or crook,” Kpebu alleged.
He further noted that such circumstances justified the discontinuation of the case but insisted that the Attorney General should officially clarify the rationale behind the dropped prosecutions.
“The other ones, I am sure when he comes, he will give an explanation,” Kpebu added.
The decision to halt these cases has reignited discussions about the role of political influence in Ghana’s judicial system.
Many are now awaiting a formal response from Dr. Dominic Ayine to shed light on the government’s legal stance.
Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith
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