A recent press release issued by former Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Godfred Yeboah Dame, has sparked significant public interest and debate.
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His statement came as a direct response to a press conference held by the current Attorney General, Dr. Dominic Ayine, where critical decisions regarding the discontinuation of key prosecutions were addressed.
While Dame’s full response contained a range of detailed rebuttals, point 11 of his statement stands out as a pivotal moment, revealing a potentially major financial consequence for the state. He alleges that the state has essentially forfeited the opportunity to recover over GHS 7 billion due to Ayine’s actions.
GHS 7 Billion in Recovery Abandoned?
In his release, Godfred Dame pointed to a “careful analysis” of the cases that were discontinued under Dr. Ayine’s leadership. His exact words were:
“A careful analysis of all the cases discontinued by Dr. Ayine would show an abandonment of the pursuit of a total of over Seven Billion Ghana Cedis (GHS7,000,000,000), if one were to exclude the deal for GHS2 Billion that Ayine claims to have struck in the Unibank case. The Republic, through Dr. Ayine’s decision to discontinue the prosecution of the cases, has automatically lost this gargantuan amount. It calls for an enquiry.”
The implication here is massive. If Dame’s assessment is accurate, this raises serious concerns about prosecutorial discretion, especially where such significant amounts of public funds are involved. According to Dame, these cases were not just legal proceedings—they were strategic efforts to reclaim assets and monies allegedly misappropriated or fraudulently handled.
Accountability and Transparency in the Justice System
The former Attorney General’s call for an independent enquiry underscores the depth of his concern. For any democratic nation, particularly one grappling with economic pressures, a loss—or even the perception of a loss—of GHS 7 billion in potential recoveries is not something to be taken lightly.
Dame’s commentary does not only question the rationale behind discontinuing the prosecutions, but it also points to a need for transparency and a re-evaluation of the decision-making processes within the Attorney General’s office.
This brings to the fore a wider conversation about how prosecutorial powers are exercised and whether decisions taken reflect the best interests of the nation. In the public interest, such matters warrant open discussions, beyond political and legal circles, and into civic dialogue.
A Matter of Tone and Institutional Respect
In addition to the financial implications, Dame was also critical of the tone used by Dr. Ayine in addressing the matters publicly. He described Ayine’s posture as “condescending,” a characterization that he deemed rational and justifiable given the sensitivity and magnitude of the issues at stake.
His concern appears to stem not just from professional disagreement, but also from what he perceives as a dismissive tone toward past efforts at safeguarding national resources through the courts. With billions of cedis on the line, Dame stressed the importance of institutional respect, especially within the justice system.
Dame’s criticism here could resonate with citizens who feel that continuity in legal and prosecutorial efforts is vital for national integrity. When an incoming administration reverses or halts cases without full public justification, it can raise questions about the long-term stability of justice policies.
The Bigger Picture: Justice, Governance, and the Public Purse
This unfolding legal and political situation is more than a clash between two legal minds—it touches on the core of public accountability. If prosecutorial decisions are leading to the abandonment of efforts to recover such a large sum of money, then the state must ask: Who benefits, who loses, and what is the justification?
Godfred Yeboah Dame’s release may serve as a wake-up call to both Parliament and civil society to seek clarity and accountability. Whether or not a formal enquiry is launched, the issue highlights the urgent need for systems that protect the public purse from both negligence and impunity.
In the spirit of democratic governance, both past and present actors in the Justice Ministry owe Ghanaians a transparent explanation. The citizens of Ghana deserve to know the reasons behind decisions that impact billions of their cedis—and whether due diligence was followed in every step.
#Attorney General
