Immediate past Attorney General Godfred Yeboah Dame has expressed profound shock and perplexity at recent government actions that he believes could undermine the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP). Speaking on PM Express on Wednesday, Dame stated his surprise that the Attorney General’s office would pursue legal avenues that might weaken a crucial anti-corruption institution.
Dame’s strong condemnation follows a growing public discourse surrounding a court case that has raised concerns about the OSP’s operational independence and powers. Several civil society organizations have sought to intervene in these proceedings, fearing a negative outcome could significantly diminish the OSP’s effectiveness.
The former Attorney General accused the current administration of hypocrisy, contrasting their public pronouncements with their alleged actions. He specifically challenged the government’s narrative that the previous administration attempted to weaken the OSP, asserting that such claims were unfounded during his tenure.
Dame clarified that past concerns raised by the Special Prosecutor were related to judicial rulings, not governmental interference. He emphasized that these were not indicative of efforts by the government to stifle the OSP’s work.
Reflecting on his own role, Dame revealed that he personally nominated the current Special Prosecutor, citing trust in his academic and professional capabilities. He maintained that he scrupulously avoided interfering with the OSP’s investigations during his time as Attorney General.
“Never once did I issue any direction to the Special Prosecutor. Never at all. Never once did I write a single letter to him in my office,” Dame asserted, underscoring his commitment to the institution’s autonomy. He insisted that no conflict or interference occurred between his office and the OSP.
Dame further defended his position by highlighting that he respected the OSP’s independence even when its investigations targeted members of the then-ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP). “Indeed, he had demonstrated clearly that boldness was for it to go after members of the NPP, but I was on board,” he stated.
Addressing suggestions of receiving preferential treatment from the courts, the former AG dismissed these claims. He attributed his legal successes to diligent preparation and hard work, recounting how he once prioritized an international arbitration case over personal leisure, such as a planned trip to watch a Liverpool football match.
Dame concluded his remarks with a call for strengthening state institutions. He stressed the importance of ensuring that all governmental actions contribute to bolstering, rather than weakening, the agencies responsible for upholding the rule of law and combating corruption.
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