The National Democratic Congress Member of Parliament for Madina Constituency in the Greater Accra Region, Honorable Francis-Xavier Kojo Sosu Esq. has waded into the calls for the resignation of the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Godfred Yeboah Dame following his alleged misconduct in the Ambulance trial involving Dr Cassiel Ator Forson, the Minority Leader.
The Deputy Ranking Member of the Constitutional, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee of Parliament, in a statement, underscored the gravity of the allegations.
He emphasized that the Attorney General’s actions, as described by Mr. Jakpa during the court proceedings do not only violate ethical rules but also tarnish the credibility of the country’s entire criminal justice system.
“The court extract of the testimony of Mr Jakpa is damning and casts a serious slur on the integrity of our justice system.
“If indeed the Learned Attorney General has engaged in acts that are alleged by the witness, it would be appropriate for him to resign or step aside from the prosecution of the case in issue for him to be fully investigated”.
Honorable Francis-Xavier Kojo Sosu Esq
Allegations and Potential Breaches
The opposition party’s lawmaker further emphasized that the testimony of Mr Jakpa during the court proceedings cast a significant shadow over the actions of the Attorney General, including breaches of the legal professional Conduct and Etiquette Rules, 2020 (L.I. 2423).
Notably, Honorable Sosu emphasized that Mr Dame’s action breaches Rule 13 of L. I 2423, which stipulates that a lawyer must not approach, communicate, or deal with a represented person regarding a matter without the consent of their lawyer.
Furthermore, the Madina Member of Parliament posited that the Attorney-General’s conduct breaches Rule 40 of the same Legislative Instrument, which imposes special responsibilities on lawyers who act as prosecutors, mandating that they conduct themselves with resoluteness and honour, treating the Court with fairness, courtesy, and respect.
Honourable Sosu also stated that the Attorney-General’s conduct goes contrary to Rule 56(2)(b) of L. I 2423, which prohibits lawyers from using language or conduct to influence the court to be biased against the accused.
Lastly, Honorable Sosu asserted that Mr Dame’s conduct also goes contrary to Rule 89(b) and (c) L. I 2423, which classifies it as professional misconduct for lawyers to engage in dishonest conduct, fraud, deceit, or misrepresentation, or to engage in conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice.
According to Honorable Sosu, a meticulous examination of the court proceedings reveals that the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Godfred Yeboah Dame breaches these crucial rules, thus compromising his ethical and professional duties.
The Deputy Ranking Member of the Constitutional, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee of Parliament, concluded his remarks by stating that the Attorney-General, Godfred Yeboah Dame through his alleged conduct has brought his office into serious disrepute, and his dishonourable conduct has plunged the entire criminal justice system into a severe credibility crisis.
Honourable Sosu further emphasized that the severe nature of the allegations made against the Attorney-General require of him to step aside to allow for an impartial investigation into the controversial matter.
He underscored the paramount importance of maintaining the integrity of the legal profession and the country’s justice system, adding that the alleged misconduct of the Attorney-General not only affects the immediate case but also undermines public trust in legal institutions.
Honourable Francis Xavier Sosu stressed that his call for the Attorney General to resign or step aside is rooted in the urgent need to uphold the highest standards of legal practice and ensure that justice is administered without prejudice or misconduct.
He stated that the allegations, if proven true, warrant significant repercussions, including potential disciplinary action against the Attorney General, Godfred Yeboah Dame.
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