A private citizen, Daniel Kwame Ofosu-Appiah, has lodged a formal complaint with the General Legal Council (GLC) against former Attorney-General Godfred Yeboah Dame, accusing him of professional misconduct during the high-profile ambulance procurement trial involving Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson and businessman Richard Jakpa. The petition centers on a leaked audio recording, admitted as evidence by the High Court and subsequently upheld by the Court of Appeal, which allegedly captures a conversation between Mr. Dame and Mr. Jakpa, the third accused in the case. Ofosu-Appiah contends that the recording reveals Mr. Dame’s attempts to improperly influence Mr. Jakpa’s testimony, thus jeopardizing the integrity of the legal process. This alleged interference transpired while the trial was ongoing and without the knowledge of Mr. Jakpa’s legal counsel, raising serious concerns about ethical breaches and potential obstruction of justice.
The petitioner’s complaint details several instances of alleged misconduct by Mr. Dame, based on the content of the audio recording and Mr. Jakpa’s sworn testimony. Mr. Jakpa testified to having met with Mr. Dame privately on four separate occasions at a private residence, further alleging that they exchanged WhatsApp messages, some of which included requests for documents. These undocumented communications, occurring outside the presence of Mr. Jakpa’s lawyer, are presented as evidence of Mr. Dame’s attempts to circumvent established legal procedures and exert undue influence on a key witness. The petition emphasizes that such actions constitute a blatant disregard for ethical standards and undermine the principles of fair trial and due process.
The petition systematically outlines how Mr. Dame’s alleged actions violate specific provisions of the Legal Profession (Professional Conduct and Etiquette) Rules, 2020 (L.I. 2423). Seven key breaches are cited, including dishonesty, misrepresentation, and improper communication with a represented party. The petitioner argues that Mr. Dame’s attempts to improperly influence a witness, as evidenced by the leaked audio and Mr. Jakpa’s testimony, constitute a serious transgression that compromises the justice system. Furthermore, the petition accuses Mr. Dame of conduct likely to discredit the legal profession, emphasizing the potential damage to public trust in the legal system caused by such alleged ethical breaches. The petitioner portrays these alleged actions as a deliberate attempt to manipulate the legal process for personal or political gain, thereby eroding public confidence in the impartiality of the justice system.
The central argument of the petition revolves around the potential for Mr. Dame’s alleged actions to undermine public trust in both the legal profession and the justice system. The petition paints a picture of a senior legal figure exploiting his position to potentially influence the outcome of a high-profile trial, thereby jeopardizing the principles of fairness and impartiality that underpin the legal system. The petitioner underscores the gravity of these allegations, arguing that they represent a serious breach of professional ethics and raise fundamental questions about the integrity of the prosecutorial process. The petition stresses the importance of upholding the highest ethical standards within the legal profession to maintain public confidence and ensure the proper administration of justice.
Ofosu-Appiah’s petition calls for the Disciplinary Committee of the GLC to initiate a thorough investigation into the allegations against Mr. Dame. He urges the Committee to consider the matter with utmost seriousness, given the potential implications for the integrity of the legal profession. The petition requests that appropriate disciplinary action be taken against Mr. Dame, commensurate with the gravity of the alleged misconduct. Possible sanctions, as outlined in Section 16 of the Legal Profession Act, 1960 (Act 32), include suspension or removal from the roll of lawyers. The petitioner emphasizes the need for a robust response to deter similar behavior in the future and reaffirm the commitment of the legal profession to upholding ethical standards.
In conclusion, the petition filed by Daniel Kwame Ofosu-Appiah presents a serious challenge to the conduct of former Attorney-General Godfred Yeboah Dame. The allegations of improper communication with a witness, attempts to influence testimony, and disregard for established legal procedures paint a picture of potential professional misconduct. The petition’s focus on the leaked audio recording and Mr. Jakpa’s sworn testimony underscores the gravity of the accusations. The call for disciplinary action, including potential disbarment, highlights the petitioner’s belief that Mr. Dame’s alleged actions represent a significant threat to the integrity of the legal profession and the public’s trust in the justice system. The GLC’s response to this petition will be closely watched, as it carries significant implications for the future conduct of legal professionals and the maintenance of public confidence in the legal system.
