Former Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Godfred Yeboah Dame, has strongly criticised his successor, Dr. Dominic Ayine, for unilaterally dropping multiple high-profile criminal cases without consulting President John Dramani Mahama. Dame described this move as alarming, reckless, and damaging to Ghana’s justice system.
Speaking to journalists in Accra on Friday, February 14, Dame expressed concern over Ayine’s priorities in handling cases involving billions of Ghana cedis in public funds.
“Ghanaians should be deeply concerned if the Attorney General prioritises the views of defence lawyers over the republic’s interest in prosecuting economic crimes,” Dame stated.
He further described as “bizarre and frightening” Ayine’s admission that he did not consult President Mahama before making such critical legal decisions.
The controversy stems from Ayine’s decision to discontinue several major corruption and financial misconduct cases, including:
- The trial of former COCOBOD CEO Dr. Stephen Opuni and businessman Seidu Agongo over the GH¢271 million Lithovit fertiliser scandal.
- The prosecution of Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, now Finance Minister, and Richard Jakpa in the controversial ambulance procurement deal.
- The case against former Bank of Ghana Deputy Governor Dr. Johnson Asiama is linked to the banking sector collapse.
- The trial of former Works and Housing Minister Collins Dauda over financial irregularities in the Saglemi Housing Project.
- The case against former SSNIT boss Dr. Ernest Thompson and others accused of mismanaging pension funds.
- The politically charged case against NDC figures Samuel Ofosu-Ampofo and Kwaku Boahen, which involved allegations of inciting political violence.
Dame warned that these withdrawals set a dangerous precedent, undermining accountability and eroding public confidence in the justice system.
“The NDC government, through its attorney general, is clearly executing a calculated strategy to clear its officials of any wrongdoing—not through the courts, but through state power,” he asserted.
Dr. Ayine, on his part, has defended his actions, citing ethical concerns, lack of strong evidence, and the need for judicial integrity.
He maintains that his decisions were legally sound and aimed at ensuring fairness in the justice system.
However, Dame remains unconvinced, insisting that Ayine’s actions amount to “a politically motivated whitewashing of NDC officials.”
As public debate intensifies, many Ghanaians are now questioning the real motives behind the Attorney General’s sweeping case dismissals and their impact on the fight against corruption.
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