A private citizen has filed a formal complaint of professional misconduct against Ghana’s former Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Mr. Godfred Dame, urging the General Legal Council (GLC) to launch an urgent investigation into alleged unethical behavior during a high-profile criminal trial.
Daniel Ofosu-Appiah, the petitioner, claimed that the former Attorney-General engaged in actions that violated multiple provisions of Ghana’s legal ethics code.
His complaint stems from the criminal trial involving Hon. Cassiel Ato Forson, where Mr. Dame is alleged to have interfered in ways that compromise the impartiality and integrity of the judicial process.
Central to the petition is the admission into evidence of a private audio recording involving Mr. Dame and the third accused in the case, Mr. Richard Jakpa.
The recording was accepted by both the trial court and the Court of Appeal—giving the matter significant judicial weight.
“The contents of this recording reveal Mr. Dame attempting to influence the testimony of Mr. Jakpa in a manner that interferes with the judicial process, compromises prosecutorial impartiality, and undermines the constitutional right to a fair trial under Article 19(2) of the 1992 Constitution.”
Daniel Ofosu-Appiah
Ofosu-Appiah argued that the court’s acceptance of the recording transforms the issue from mere allegation into a case of confirmed judicially recognized conduct, which demands immediate professional scrutiny.
He drew attention to a ruling delivered by Her Ladyship Justice Afia Serwah Asare-Botwe on June 13, 2024, admitting the recording into the court record as relevant evidence.
Moreover, Mr. Jakpa, while under oath and cross-examination, told the court that he had met Mr. Dame on four separate occasions at a private residence.
He further testified that they exchanged WhatsApp messages—some of which involved the Attorney-General requesting documents.
These interactions allegedly occurred during the pendency of the criminal case, without the knowledge or participation of Mr. Jakpa’s legal counsel.
Godfred Dame Cited For Ethical Violations
Furthermore, Mr. Daniel Ofosu-Appiah argued that the former Attorney-General’s conduct constitutes professional misconduct by a public officer and stands in direct violation of several critical ethical provisions outlined in the Legal Profession (Professional Conduct and Etiquette) Rules, 2020 (L.I. 2423).
The complaint asserted that Mr. Dame failed to uphold the expected standards of honesty, integrity, and professionalism, thereby breaching Rule 1(c). It also accused him of engaging in behavior characterized by deceit or misrepresentation, which is prohibited under Rule 8(1).
Additionally, by communicating directly with a party who was already legally represented, and doing so on matters related to the case, he is alleged to have violated Rule 13(1)(a) and (b). The attempt to improperly influence a witness or sway the outcome of judicial proceedings is cited as a breach of Rule 54.
His actions, according to the petition, risk discrediting the legal profession itself, which contravenes Rule 61.
Furthermore, by interfering with an ongoing trial in this manner, he is accused of compromising the administration of justice, contrary to Rule 76(2)(a). Finally, the complaint underscored that any violation of these provisions, as stated in Rule 89(a), amounts to professional misconduct.
The complaint also cited Rule 9(4) of the Legal Profession (Professional Conduct and Etiquette) Rules, 1969 (L.I. 613), which reinforces the prosecutorial obligation to maintain fairness at all stages of legal proceedings.
Quoting Section 16 of the Legal Profession Act, 1960 (Act 32), Ofosu-Appiah noted that the Disciplinary Committee is empowered to impose a wide range of sanctions—reprimand, suspension, or outright removal from the roll of lawyers—if misconduct is confirmed.
“Given the nature of the conduct and the seniority of the lawyer involved, I respectfully urge the Committee to consider this matter with the utmost seriousness and in accordance with the law and ethical standards.”
Daniel Ofosu-Appiah
The complaint accused Mr. Dame of compromising public trust in the justice system, citing that his interactions with the accused, conducted off the record and without legal oversight, strike at the heart of judicial independence.
“His [Godfred Dame] actions have undermined public confidence in the legal profession and the justice system, and they constitute a clear breach of the rules governing lawyers in Ghana.”
Daniel Ofosu-Appiah
The petitioner insisted that this matter is not a personal grievance, but one made “in the public interest and fulfilment of my constitutional obligation as a citizen.”
In closing, Ofosu-Appiah called upon the Disciplinary Committee of the General Legal Council to fully investigate the complaint and apply appropriate disciplinary actions as warranted under law.
With such a high-profile figure at the center of a growing ethical storm, all eyes are now on the General Legal Council to determine whether Ghana’s legal system can hold even its most senior officers accountable when allegations of professional misconduct arise.
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