Deployment of state power to settle scores is lowest point of law enforcement – Godfred Dame
Former Attorney-General Godfred Yeboah Dame has accused state investigative bodies of exploiting arrests, investigations and prosecutorial discretion to punish political opponents.
In a statement, Mr. Dame described the conduct of EOCO, the CID and the Attorney-General over the past two years as gross, awkward and unprecedented.
He contrasted the current situation with what he termed the very recent past, where he said the constitutional rights of all persons, including Members of Parliament and former ministers, to be released within 48 hours or brought before court were fully respected without difficulty.
Mr. Dame cited examples, stating that Alhaji Collins Dauda was granted self-recognisance bail and never spent a single day in custody even though he stood trial for causing financial loss of about US$198 million in the Saglemi case. He also stated that Cassiel Ato Forson was granted self-recognisance bail without spending a day in custody while standing trial for offences valued at €2.3 million, and that Dr. Dominic Ayine (MP) was granted bail in 2017 and never spent a day in custody when investigated over his role in the Ameri deal.
“On what account does Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah (MP) spend 2 nights in EOCO custody without bail when being investigated for a ‘transaction’ from which he earned legal fees of GH₵2.2M?” he questioned.
He further questioned whether the issues raised from the MP’s conduct in the matter were even criminal.
“It is correct to say that the investigative and prosecutorial authority of certain state institutions is being utilised to punish political opponents and settle parochial scores,” Mr. Dame stated.
He added that meanwhile, real organised and economic crime like the narcotic trade reigns supreme in Ghana, while investigative bodies are busily chasing political opponents and suppressing free speech.
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