By Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Godfred Yeboah Dame, has defended the use of prosecution as a tool for ensuring justice in Ghana, emphasizing that legal action is not persecution but a necessary step to uphold the law and maintain peace.
Speaking at the Annual Bar Conference in Kumasi, he addressed the theme, “Peaceful, Fair, and Transparent Elections: The Key to Sustainable Democracy,” stressing the critical role of a strong prosecution system in delivering justice and safeguarding democracy.
Godfred Dame praised the Prosecutions Division for its dedication to justice, noting that it has “ably lived up to its constitutional duty of being the prosecutor of all crimes in the country.”
He noted that despite facing numerous challenges, including “unjustified delays occasioned by the filing of unnecessary applications and frivolous interlocutory appeals,” the division has pursued justice “with courage, based on the evidence and the law.”
The Attorney General also highlighted the resilience of prosecutors in overcoming criticisms and challenges, particularly when handling high-profile cases.
“In a country where prosecution of the perceived high and mighty is often mischaracterised as persecution,” Godfred Dame said, “they have braved all challenges” and, when necessary, appealed adverse rulings in line with professional standards.
Reflecting on the past four years, he highlighted several significant cases managed by the division, including a landmark high treason trial that resulted in the conviction of six out of nine accused individuals.
“We secured the conviction of six out of the nine surviving accused persons put on trial,” Godfred Dame emphasized the division’s role in safeguarding Ghana’s territorial integrity against secessionist attempts.
The Attorney General also raised concerns about the persistent illegal mining (galamsey) activities, which continue to devastate the country’s natural resources.
Despite the challenges in prosecuting these offenses, Dame pointed to several successes, noting that “from August 2021 to date, at least 76 persons, including eighteen foreigners, have been convicted.”
He further applauded the efforts of the Legislative Drafting Division, describing them as the “unsung heroes” of the Office of the Attorney-General.
According to AG Dame, these “well-disciplined, properly-trained, meticulous lawyers” are crucial in setting the legislative framework for all governmental functions.
“Without them, none of the three arms of government can function,” he stated, acknowledging their role in drafting about 60 Acts of Parliament and numerous subsidiary legislations.
