Daniel Yao Domelovo, former Auditor-General and member of the ORAL Committee, has comended the Attorney-General for providing clarity on the withdrawal of several high-profile cases.
Speaking on Prime News on Wednesday, February 12, Domelovo expressed his approval of the AG’s public clarification, which he believes was necessary to reassure the public about the integrity of the legal system.
Before the AG’s press conference, private legal practitioner Yaw Dankwah had voiced concerns over the decision to drop over six high profile cases, including those involving Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson and former Bank of Ghana Governor Dr. Johnson Asiama.
Dankwah, in an interview on ABC Midday News, called on the Attorney-General to explain the reasons behind the sudden decision, stressing that a clear explanation would help restore public confidence.
He also criticized the AG’s action, suggesting that it could fuel perceptions that Ghana’s prosecution system is politically motivated.
“It was wrong for the AG not to prosecute those cases. It makes people believe that prosecution in Ghana is political,” said Dankwah.
His remarks stressed the growing frustration and suspicion surrounding the handling of cases involving prominent public figures, who are often seen as benefiting from political influence.
In response growing concerns, Attorney-General Dr. Dominic Ayine held a press briefing on Wednesday, February 12, to clarify the decision.
Dr. Ayine explained that the charges against the accused were flawed and lacked sufficient evidence to support convictions.
He acknowledged that, in the case of Finance Minister Ato Forson, the original charges had been filed under the influence of political motives.
“In the case of the Republic vrs Ato Forson, I was not counsel on record, but my colleague Edudzi Tamakloe was. I believe then, and I believe now, that the Honourable Ato Forson was a victim of political witch hunt,” Ayine stated.
He went on to explain that, despite the charges, no new evidence had surfaced since his appointment that would justify proceeding with the case.
Ayine further emphasized that many of the charges had been “defective” from the outset.
He indicated that after careful scrutiny, the legal team found that the cases were filed without sound legal basis, and continuing with them would have been an irresponsible use of state resources.
“The second reason why I dropped some of the charges on the above case is that the charges were defective and, upon careful scrutiny, were filed against the prompting of plain common sense,” Ayine remarked.
He emphasized that his decision was based on professional and ethical grounds, and that pursuing the cases further would have been a waste of time and public funds.
While Domelovo commended the AG’s transparency in clarifying the matter, he also acknowledged the importance of ensuring that such decisions are carefully scrutinized to maintain public trust.
The former Auditor-General emphasized that the legal process must remain impartial and free from political interference. He also reiterated that public confidence in the justice system is vital, and such high-profile decisions require the utmost care and transparency.
