Using State Power To Settle Scores Is Lowest Point Of Law Enforcement - Godfred Dame

Former Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Godfred Yeboah Dame, has described the deployment of state power to settle scores and punish political opponents as the lowest point of law enforcement in Ghana.

In a statement, Mr Dame said the manner in which arrests, investigations and prosecutorial discretion are being handled by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) and the Attorney-General over the past two years is unprecedented.

He contrasted the current situation with the 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.

Citing examples, the former A-G said Alhaji Collins Dauda was granted self-recognisance bail and never spent a single day in custody even though he stood trial for allegedly causing financial loss of about US$198 million.

Similarly, he said Cassiel Ato Forson was granted self-recognisance bail without spending a day in custody despite standing trial for offences valued at €2.3 million, while Dr. Dominic Ayine, MP, was also granted bail in 2017 and never spent a day in custody when he was investigated over his role in the Ameri deal.

Mr Dame questioned why the Member of Parliament for Manhyia South, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, spent two nights in EOCO custody without bail while being investigated for a transaction in which he reportedly earned legal fees of GH¢2.2 million.

He further questioned whether the issues raised about the MP's conduct in the matter were criminal in nature at all.

According to him, it is fair to conclude that the investigative and prosecutorial powers of certain state institutions are being used to punish political opponents and settle parochial scores.

He added that while state agencies are focused on chasing political opponents and suppressing free speech, serious organised and economic crimes such as narcotics trade continue to thrive in the country.