The Progressive Poeple’s Party (PPP) has reiterated the need to decouple the office of the Attorney-General from the Ministry of Justice.
The Party said the call has become necessary due to the recent controversy surrounding the allegations against the Hon. Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Godfred Yeboah Dame.
Mr Dame has been accused of coaching a witness to fabricate evidence in the ambulance purchase trial. The 3rd accused in the case, Richard Jakpa, accused Mr Dame in court that he has been calling him (Jakpa) at odd hours and urging him to fabricate evidence against the 1st accused, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson.
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Leaked audio on Ambulance case: Get excuse duty to delay case so I can travel – Dame to 3rd accused
The PPP said it, “has been closely monitoring the unfolding events with great concern. It is disheartening to witness instances where efforts to combat corruption are
overshadowed by political theatrics and power struggles between parties.”
This is contained in a press release signed by the Executive Director of the Party, Richard Armah.
According to the PPP, “It is evident that the current system is vulnerable to manipulation and undermines the fight against corruption.
“To address this issue effectively, the PPP has since its formation in 2012 advocated for
fundamental reforms in the legal framework. We have persistently and consistently asked for the following concrete steps as a way forward:
1. Amendment of Article 88 of the 1992 constitution.
2. Separation of the roles of the Attorney-General and the Minister of Justice.
3. Removal of the Attorney-General from the Cabinet and establishment of an
independent prosecutor directly accountable to the Parliament and the people.
4. Designating the Minister of Justice as the government’s legal advisor, while
empowering the Attorney-General to prosecute all forms of crimes impartially,” the PPP proposed.
The Party emphasised that it is crucial that these reforms are essential to ensure transparency, accountability, and impartiality in the fight against corruption.
“The PPP firmly believes that the independence of the Attorney-General is non-negotiable if we are to uphold the principles of justice and integrity in our society,” it stressed.
The party therefore called upon “the President, Members of Parliament, and the citizens of Ghana to support our initiative for a more robust and independent legal system. Together, we can strive towards a future where justice prevails over political interests.”
Related article:
Audio: Alleged conversation between Richard Jakpa and Attorney-General Godfred Dame
