Former Attorney General Godfred Dame has publicly challenged assertions made by his successor, Dr. Dominic Ayine, regarding procedural timelines in the high-profile Republic v. Ato Forson & 2 Others trial. Dame contends Ayine’s claim that the previous administration took “six months to file witness statements” is “palpably false,” presenting court documents to counter the allegation.
According to Dame’s evidence, the accused were first arraigned on January 18, 2022, with the court ordering disclosures by February 15. Prosecution documents including witness statements and exhibits were filed on February 14, 2022, within 27 days of the initial hearing. “The Office of the Attorney-General never requested additional time for filings,” Dame emphasized, sharing dated court records to substantiate his rebuttal.
The dispute highlights escalating tensions between current and former legal officers amid ongoing scrutiny of the Ato Forson case, which involves allegations of financial misconduct. Ayine’s office has yet to respond to Dame’s documentation or clarify the timeline discrepancy. Legal analysts note the exchange underscores heightened politicization of judicial processes under Ghana’s current NDC administration.
