The General Legal Council (GLC) has been asked to take action against former Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Godfred Yeboah Dame, for supposed professional misconduct.
This request arises from the criminal trial involving Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, Richard Jakpa, and another individual.
The complaint was filed by Daniel Kwame Ofosu-Appiah, who identifies as a Ghanaian citizen, and it points to serious ethical violations, seeking disciplinary measures under Ghana’s Legal Profession Act, 1960 (Act 32).
In a comprehensive petition dated May 22, 2025, directed to the Disciplinary Committee of the GLC, Mr. Ofosu-Appiah claims that Mr. Dame tried to improperly influence a crucial witness in the case—Mr. Richard Jakpa, the third accused—thus jeopardizing the fairness and integrity of the judicial process.
Audio evidence presented in court
The core of the complaint is an audio recording, which was accepted as evidence in the criminal trial, capturing a private discussion between Mr. Dame and Mr. Jakpa.
The petitioner asserts that the recording shows Mr. Dame attempting to manipulate Mr. Jakpa’s testimony, violating prosecutorial neutrality and the constitutional right to a fair trial as stated in Article 19(2) of the 1992 Constitution.
The complaint highlights that the audio evidence was deemed admissible by Her Ladyship Justice Afia Serwah Asare-Botwe on June 13, 2024, and that WhatsApp messages between the former Attorney-General and Mr. Jakpa—reportedly including requests for documents—were also accepted as exhibits.
Mr. Jakpa testified under oath that these interactions took place without the awareness or consent of his legal counsel.
Alleged breaches of professional conduct regulations
Mr. Ofosu-Appiah contends that the actions of Mr. Dame constitute professional misconduct under several provisions of the Legal Profession (Professional Conduct and Etiquette) Rules, 2020 (L.I. 2423), which include:
Rule 1(c): A failure to act with honesty, integrity, and professionalism.
Rule 8(1): Participation in conduct that involves deceit or misrepresentation.
Rule 13(1)(a) & (b): Direct communication with a party that is already represented.
Rule 54: An attempt to improperly influence a witness.
Rule 61: Conduct that is likely to discredit the legal profession.
Rule 76(2)(a): Compromise of the administration of justice.
Rule 89(a): A broad provision that encompasses general professional misconduct.
The complaint also cites Rule 9(4) of the previous 1969 Legal Profession (Professional Conduct and Etiquette) Rules (L.I. 613), emphasizing the enduring expectation of fairness in prosecutorial conduct.
Public interest and a call for disciplinary measures
In submitting the petition, which he characterizes as being in the public interest, Mr. Ofosu-Appiah references Article 41(b) of the Constitution, which mandates every citizen to uphold and defend the Constitution and the law.
“This duty includes taking measures to ensure accountability in public office,” he remarked.
The petition additionally calls upon the GLC to contemplate the imposition of suitable sanctions, as outlined in Section 16 of the Legal Profession Act. These sanctions may include reprimand, suspension, or even removal from the roll of lawyers.
“The actions of Mr. Godfred Yeboah Dame, as corroborated by judicial admission of evidence, have eroded public trust in the legal profession and in our justice system,” Mr. Ofosu-Appiah stated.
“This issue warrants an immediate and comprehensive investigation.”