The opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has accused the Attorney General (A-G), Godfred Yeboah Dame of being selective in the cases he chooses to pursue.
According to the NDC, the legal cases against Assin North MP, James Gyakye Quayson, former COCOBOD boss, Stephen Opuni, and Majority Leader, Cassiel Ato Forson are not prosecutions but persecutions.
In a press statement dated Thursday, July 6, 2023, the legal directorate of the party said that “the AG may want to use whatever legal gymnastics to try to make it look as if these prosecutions are so legally, factually and sufficiently evidence-based, but to the ordinary observer who has followed all that has gone on, know, this is no prosecution at all but persecution”.
They stressed that despite the A-G’s attempt to use legal means to justify his actions, every reasonable person out there sees the above three cases as persecution instead of prosecution with the intent to score political points.
“So the A-G Godfred Yeboah Dame can try to ‘spin’ the law, even on Appeal to get favourable decisions, but every reasonable observer can read between the lines.”
“We are happy the AG understands, appreciates, and sees the need for freedom of speech, and we hope that his expressions on freedom of speech in his Press Release is something he truly believes in and not just mere expressions on paper,” said the NDC.
The NDC therefore urged Godfred Dame to apply the same energy he is using to prosecute NDC members to other major cases such as the prosecution of the former CEO of Menzgold, NAM 1 and accused persons in the JB Danquah’s murder case among others.
“We also want a speedy trial in the Menzgold, Ahmed Suale, Major Mahama and J. B. Danquah cases and on this basis can they kindly also apply for daily trials in these cases too? Justice must be seen to be pursued and done to all manner of persons and in all cases.”
In their concluding remarks, they noted that “the family of late Major Mahama are suffering, Ahmed Suale is suffering…J. B. Danquah is suffering…And on the otherhand…Opuni is suffering…Gyakye Quayson is suffering…. Cassiel Ato Forson is suffering…”
It is recalled that Mr. James Gyakye Quayson is undergoing trial at the High Court in Accra for charges of forgery and perjury while Dr Ato Forson is also facing a criminal case related to an alleged financial loss of €2.37 million to the state.
On the other hand, the former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), Dr Stephen Kwabena Opuni, has been charged with 27 counts for allegedly engaging in illegalities that caused financial loss of GH¢271.3 million to the state and led to the distribution of sub-standard fertiliser to cocoa farmers.
He has been standing trial together with businessman Seidu Agongo since 2017.