AriseGhana, a renowned pressure group in the country has strongly called for the resignation or dismissal of Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Godfred Yeboah Dame, citing serious allegations of unethical conduct in the ongoing Ambulance trial involving Honorable Dr Cassiel Ato Forson and Mr Richard Jakpa.
In a statement issued by Bernard Mornah, Co-Convener of AriseGhana, the group emphasised that the damning nature of the allegations made against the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice required his immediate resignation or removal.
“It is unthinkable that the man who claims to have a watertight case against the accused persons would stoop so low to engage in this kind of misconduct. His conduct is believed to run contrary to the Evidence Decree and makes him liable for criminal prosecution.
“If the man supposed to be the leader of the bar can desecrate the ethics of the bar in this manner and fashion, then the bar is in grave danger if he continues to lead it”.
Bernard Mornah, Co-Convener of AriseGhana
Mr Mornah began recounting the event that resulted in the group’s demand for the resignation of Mr Dame by stating that the controversy centres on an ambulance supply contract that was executed under the erstwhile Mahama’s administration.
He stated that the trial has brought to light startling allegations from the third accused, Mr. Richard Jakpa, who in a court testimony asserted that the Attorney-General had repeatedly contacted him, including at unconventional hours, to persuade him to provide false testimony against Honorable Dr Ato Forson, the former Deputy Minister of Finance and the first accused person in the trial.
The Co-Convener of the AriseGhana, Bernard Mornah also noted that the revelation, delivered openly in court, was notably unchallenged by the Attorney-General, who was present but chose to address the media instead of objecting.
He further stated that the Attorney-General’s alleged misconduct had been compounded after the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) released an audio recording of a telephone conversation between Mr Dame and Mr Jakpa, the third accused person in the Ambulance trial.
Mr Mornah recounted that in the recording, Mr Dame is allegedly heard pressuring Mr Jakpa to alter his testimony to secure a conviction against the Minority Leader, Honorable Dr Ato Forson, adding that the conduct of the Attorney-General has been widely condemned, leading to public outcry and demands for his resignation.
“This conduct by the Attorney-General has been described variously as dishonest, unethical and criminal. Various legal brains and lawyers have publicly called for his resignation or dismissal if he fails to resign honourably”.
Bernard Mornah, Co-Convener of AriseGhana
Integrity and Public Trust in Ghana’s Justice System
Bernard Mornah, the Co-Convener for AriseGhana, in emphasising the group’s call for the resignation of the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Godfred Yeboah Dame, asserted that the alleged behaviour from the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice undermines the integrity of the country’s legal system and erodes public trust in the office meant to uphold justice impartially.
“AriseGhana is compelled to join the numerous calls for Mr Godfred Dame to be relieved of his duties as the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice now considering the fact that he has become a Minister for Injustice rather than a Minister for Justice”.
Bernard Mornah, Co-Convener of AriseGhana
Mr Mornah vehemently posited that the conduct of the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Godfred Yebaoh Dame demonstrates clearly that he cannot do well to all manner of persons as enjoined by his Oath of Office and the Constitution of Ghana.
Mr Mornah, while highlighting the ramifications of the Attorney-General’s alleged misconduct, urged President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to take swift action to dismiss Mr Dame, to affirm his administration’s commitment to justice and ethical governance.
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