The Ghanaian justice system and the Office of the State Attorney General face significant challenges in ensuring justice and fair trials, which are fundamental to their role in prosecuting cases. Reports indicate that there is a growing concern over the impartiality of the Attorney General, Godfred Odame, particularly in high-profile cases where he has been observed interacting closely with judges.
Allegations against Attorney General Godfred Odame suggest a erosion of trust and credibility in his ability to oversee fair trials. Lawyer Abraham Amaliba, the Director for Conflict and Resolution of the National Democratic Congress, voiced these concerns during an interview on the Adekyee Mu Nsem morning show on Ahotor 92.3 FM in Accra. Amaliba alleged that the Attorney General’s office, under Godfred Dame’s leadership, has been involved in questionable practices, including collusion with judges and manipulation of legal proceedings in political cases.
Amaliba further suggested that Godfred Dame may have influenced judicial outcomes by engaging in unethical conduct, such as pressuring witnesses to provide false testimony. Specifically, he referenced Richard Jakpa, the third accused in the ambulance purchase trial, who claimed that the Attorney General had approached him to fabricate evidence against Minority Leader Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson.
Adding to the chorus of criticism, Sammy Gyamfi, the Communications Officer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), accused Attorney General Godfred Yeboah Dame of violating ethical standards in his handling of the ambulance case. Gyamfi alleged that Godfred Dame had improperly communicated with Richard Jakpa, the third accused, without the presence of legal representation, which contravenes Rule 13 of the Code of Conduct for legal practitioners.
According to Gyamfi, Godfred Dame’s actions constitute misconduct, as they exploit the vulnerability of a represented party in a legal proceeding. Gyamfi emphasized that legal ethics dictate that communication with a represented third party must be conducted through their lawyer to prevent exploitation and ensure fair treatment.
In response to these allegations, the Office of the Attorney General released the full details of the plea bargain letters sent by Richard Jakpa in the ambulance purchase case. The Attorney General refuted claims of impropriety, asserting that Jakpa had initiated the plea bargain process in an attempt to have charges dropped against the accused. However, he clarified that no agreement had been reached at that time.
AYM Kukah.
