Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Godfred Yeboah Dame
GhanaVoice, USA, a coalition of Ghanaians steadfastly committed to ensuring accountability in the governance of Ghana, based in the United States, emphatically calls for the immediate dismissal of Attorney General Godfred Yeboah Dame.
This urgent plea follows the damning testimony given in court by Richard Jakpa, the third accused in the ongoing ambulance purchase trial.
Mr. Jakpa's revelation of multiple occasions where the Attorney General
engaged in private conversations with him, urging him to provide testimony in court that would incriminate another accused person, Minority Leader of Parliament Cassiel Ato Forson, is deeply troubling.
The testimony provided by Mr. Jakpa, backed by the audio tape released to the public, both strongly point to unethical conduct by the Attorney General and merit his immediate dismissal.
While Ghana Voice USA staunchly advocates for the unwavering prosecution of corrupt politicians, it also emphasizes the vital importance of conducting such proceedings with the utmost integrity and impartiality.
We firmly assert that the obligation to hold public officials accountable is not merely a responsibility but a vital necessity in upholding the core tenets of good governance and nurturing trust within our democracy.
The significance of practical wisdom and moral leadership in individuals occupying sensitive offices within a democracy cannot be overstated.
Regrettably, Godfred Yeboah Dame's actions in the said case glaringly underscore his inadequacy for the weighty role of Attorney General.
His conduct has blatantly deviated from the standards expected of a public servant entrusted with safeguarding justice and upholding the rule of law. The office of the Attorney General necessitates unwavering dedication to fairness, integrity, and the common good.
However, Mr. Dame's actions have sowed doubt regarding his capacity to discharge this crucial responsibility with the requisite impartiality and ethical fortitude.
One may contend that the current matter is unrelated to the substantive case. However, even if we were to entertain the notion that Mr. Dame’s actions wouldn't bias the case against the accused individuals, trusting that the truth remains singular and would be reached at the end of the trial, we must draw a lesson from the case of Rex v. Sussex [1924], which produced the aphorism: "Justice must not only be done but must also be seen to be done."
This age-old adage, though often repeated to the point of cliché, holds profound relevance, especially in our present circumstances.
The essence of this aphorism underscores the vital importance of not only delivering justice but also ensuring that its administration is perceived as fair and impartial by all stakeholders.
It serves as a reminder that justice isn't merely an abstract concept confined to courtrooms but a fundamental pillar of societal trust and cohesion.
In light of the Attorney General's dishonorable conduct, rendering him unfit for his esteemed position, his departure is also imperative for justice “to be seen to be done” in the trial of the substantive case.
Regardless of the specific details of the case at hand, the overarching lesson remains resoundingly clear: the credibility of our justice system hinges not solely on its outcomes but equally on the perceived fairness and impartiality of its administration.
Upholding this principle transcends mere legal obligation, representing a moral imperative crucial for safeguarding public confidence in our institutions and the sanctity of the rule of law.
