Accra: Mr Godfred Yeboah Dame, the immediate-past Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, has accused Dr Dominic Ayine, the current Attorney-General, of planning to ‘whitewash’ some officials of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) through the withdrawal of high-profile criminal cases. He asserted that Dr Ayine was taking steps to provide these NDC officials with perpetual immunity, thereby shielding them from prosecution for offences committed against the State.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr Dame expressed these concerns during a press conference held in Accra. He stated that the actions of the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice could potentially undermine Ghana’s democratic and governance structures. The controversy began when Dr Ayine, on February 12, held a press conference to justify his decision to discontinue certain high-profile criminal cases, citing ‘unethical conduct’ as the reason.
Mr Dame, in his rebuttal, argued that the decision was a deliberate attempt to protect NDC members w
ho were facing charges for crimes against the State. He criticized the President and his Attorney-General for allegedly acting as ‘clearing agents’ to indemnify their allies who had been brought before the courts.
He further pointed out that shortly after Dr Ayine assumed office on January 22, 2025, he filed a notice of abandonment regarding the State’s appeal in the case of Republic vrs Ato Forson and others. Subsequently, on January 28, Dr Ayine withdrew the case against Dr Stephen Opuni and two others, leading to their acquittal and discharge. Similar withdrawals were made in the cases of Republic Vrs. Ofosu Ampofo and another, and against Dr Johnson Asiama, resulting in acquittals and discharges.
Mr Dame concluded by warning that more withdrawals and nolle prosequi are expected from the NDC-led government in the coming days.