Former AG Dame Denies Interfering With Special Prosecutor's Office

Immediate past Attorney General Godfred Yeboah Dame has stated unequivocally that he never interfered with the work of the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP). He insisted that during his entire tenure, he maintained a distance from the anti-corruption body's operational activities.

Mr. Dame expressed his surprise and perplexity regarding the current legal disputes involving the Attorney General’s office and the OSP. Critics worry these actions could weaken the institution established to fight corruption. Some civil society groups have raised concerns about the future of the OSP.

Speaking on Joy News' PM Express, Mr. Dame rejected claims that the previous government sought to undermine the OSP. He highlighted his role in appointing Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng, stating he nominated him based on trust in his abilities. He emphasized that his relationship with Mr. Agyebeng was friendship-based. They were classmates and friends. He trusted his professional skills.

Dame asserted that he never issued any directives to the Special Prosecutor. He also stated he never wrote a single letter to him. He described their interactions as purely social, with Mr. Agyebeng visiting him twice as a friend. The former AG maintained there was no conflict between his office and the OSP throughout his service.

He further dismissed suggestions that he used his position to influence investigations. This includes cases involving members of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP). He pointed to instances where the OSP pursued actions against NPP members. He said he fully supported those actions. He stressed the importance of strengthening state institutions through proper processes.

Mr. Dame was the Attorney General from February 2020 to January 2024. During this period, the OSP under Kissi Agyebeng undertook several high-profile investigations. These included cases related to alleged corruption in public institutions. The current debate centers on whether executive interference is undermining the OSP’s effectiveness. This is a critical issue for Ghana’s fight against graft.

The ongoing controversies seem to question the very independence of institutions tasked with accountability. Mr. Dame’s defense suggests a commitment to upholding institutional integrity. His statements aim to clarify his past actions and intentions. The public and legal experts will continue to watch these developments closely. They will analyze their impact on Ghana's anti-corruption framework.