By Ashiadey Dotse
A Ghanaian citizen, Mr. Daniel Kwame Ofosu-Appiah, has formally submitted a complaint to the General Legal Council (GLC), accusing former Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Mr. Godfred Yeboah Dame, of professional misconduct.
The complaint, filed under Section 18 of the Legal Profession Act, 1960 (Act 32), relates to events surrounding the ongoing criminal trial of Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson and others. According to Mr. Ofosu-Appiah, an audio recording played in open court reveals a conversation in which Mr. Dame allegedly attempted to influence a key witness, Mr. Richard Jakpa.
Mr. Jakpa, the third accused in the case, testified that he met with Mr. Dame several times at a private residence and exchanged WhatsApp messages with him, including document requests. These interactions, which occurred without the knowledge of Mr. Jakpa’s lawyer and while the trial was ongoing, were admitted into evidence by both the High Court and the Court of Appeal.
The complainant contends that these actions breach multiple rules of professional conduct, including integrity, fairness, conduct likely to discredit the legal profession, and the duty not to communicate directly with a represented party. Mr. Ofosu-Appiah argues that such conduct undermines the justice system and violates the ethical standards of legal practice in Ghana.
He is calling on the Disciplinary Committee of the General Legal Council to launch a full investigation and take appropriate disciplinary action, which could include suspension or disbarment.
Mr. Ofosu-Appiah submitted the complaint as a concerned citizen, citing his constitutional duty to uphold justice and accountability in public office. The petition has also been copied to the Acting Chief Justice, His Lordship Paul Baffoe-Bonnie.
