Former Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Godfred Yeboah Dame, has criticized his successor, Dr. Dominic Akuritinga Ayine, for what he describes as a politically motivated move to discontinue several high-profile criminal cases involving leading members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
Addressing journalists in Accra on Friday, Dame accused Dr. Ayine of using his office to shield NDC officials from accountability under the guise of prosecutorial discretion.
He described the withdrawals as a “calculated, preconceived ploy” to exonerate former NDC government appointees of any wrongdoing.
The former Attorney-General expressed concern over the unprecedented speed with which the cases were dropped.
“From 24th January to 30th January 2025, the Attorney-General withdrew multiple cases, including those against Cassiel Ato Forson, Dr. Stephen Opuni, and Samuel Ofosu-Ampofo. It was a pattern of ‘one day, one withdrawal’ until weekends interrupted the trend,” Mr. Dame stated.
Godfred Dame accused Dr. Ayine of undermining the judiciary, stating that his public attacks on judicial decisions during his press conference were part of a broader NDC strategy to discredit the legal system while pursuing their “Resetting Agenda” to protect party members.
He further defended his own record, emphasizing that during his tenure, no politically motivated withdrawals were made.
“Under President Kufuor and President Akufo-Addo’s administrations, all cases involving NPP officials were fought in court and won on merit. We never sought acquittals through the backdoor,” Dame asserted.
The former Attorney-General also dismissed accusations of unethical conduct in the high-profile ambulance trial involving Cassiel Ato Forson, labeling them as “highly disingenuous” and politically motivated.
He took a swipe at Dr. Ayine, noting that his successor is currently facing disciplinary proceedings before the General Legal Council for professional misconduct.
Godfred Dame urged Ghanaians to remain vigilant and question the motives behind the swift discontinuation of these cases, warning that it sets a dangerous precedent for justice and accountability in the country.
Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith