Kwadwo Appiagyei-Atua Urges Attorney General to Resign Over Alarming Credibility Concerns

Accra, Ghana – Kwadwo Appiagyei-Atua, an Associate Professor at the University of Ghana School of Law, has called for the resignation of Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Godfred Yeboah Dame, citing concerns about the credibility of his office.

Professor Appiagyei-Atua has also urged President Akufo-Addo to dismiss the Attorney General if he refuses to step down, emphasizing the need to restore public confidence in the administration of justice in Ghana.

The professor’s comments follow allegations made by Richard Jakpa, the third accused in the ongoing ambulance purchase trial. Jakpa claimed that the Attorney General had previously approached him to help build a case against the Minority Leader and former Deputy Finance Minister, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson.

During cross-examination by counsel for the Minority Leader, Richard Jakpa was cautioned by trial judge Justice Afia Serwah Asare-Botwe to be direct in his responses and avoid wasting the court’s time.

In response to this caution, Attorney General Yeboah Dame accused Jakpa of defending the Minority Leader. This prompted Jakpa to assert that the Attorney General was aggrieved because he had failed to enlist Jakpa’s help in building a case against Dr. Ato Forson.

Speaking on JoyNews‘ AM show on Tuesday, Professor Appiagyei-Atua remarked, “From the records, it does not seem so, but I think that to bring credibility to the office, that is what he has to do, and if he does not do that, the president should also go ahead and protect the credibility and integrity of the office of the Attorney General.”

Professor Appiagyei-Atua suggested that if resignation or dismissal does not occur, a parliamentary probe or special inquiry might be necessary to address the situation.

“If that does not also work again, the records seem to show that it may not, but you never know, but if it does not, there are other options and avenues available, and a parliamentary probe is possible that could also be undertaken.

A special commission inquiry can also be set up to do that, and I think that we should not let this matter rest because it goes up there to the level of the Attorney General’s office, and so something needs to be done,” he noted.