
A Ghanaian citizen, Daniel Kwame Ofosu-Appiah, has submitted a formal petition to the General Legal Council (GLC), accusing former Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Godfred Yeboah Dame, of professional misconduct in connection with the ongoing criminal case involving Minority Leader Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson and two others.
The complaint, filed under Section 18 of the Legal Profession Act, 1960 (Act 32), centers on an audio recording that was recently admitted as evidence in court. The recording allegedly captures Mr. Dame engaging in a private conversation with Richard Jakpa, the third accused person in the trial. Supplementary WhatsApp exchanges between the two men are also included in the evidence.
Mr. Ofosu-Appiah contends that these interactions constitute a breach of professional ethics, particularly since Jakpa is a represented party in an active criminal case. The petition argues that Mr. Dame’s actions appear to contravene several provisions of the Legal Profession (Professional Conduct and Etiquette) Rules, 2020. Specifically, the complaint points to issues of improper contact with a witness, dishonesty, and conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice.
According to the petitioner, the former Attorney-General’s alleged behavior threatens the integrity of Ghana’s legal system and the public’s confidence in it. He is urging the GLC’s Disciplinary Committee to thoroughly investigate the matter and impose appropriate sanctions, which could include suspension or even disbarment.
Ofosu-Appiah emphasizes that the issue is one of significant national concern and must be addressed promptly to protect the credibility of Ghana’s justice system.