Shocking and perplexing - Godfred Dame slams gov't attempts to weaken OSP

Godfred Yeboah Dame has criticised moves by the current government which could weaken the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), describing the development as "shocking and perplexing." Speaking on PM Express on Wednesday with host Evans Mensah, he said he was surprised that the Attorney General would pursue legal steps that may undermine the anti-corruption agency. He stated, "Shocking and perplexed, because I'm surprised that an attorney will actively pursue steps which will lead to the collapse of an anti-corruption institution such as the Office of Special Prosecutor."

Mr. Dame accused the government of hypocrisy, saying, "We see a manifestation of the contradictions and hypocrisy of this NDC government play out in every sector," and "What they say to the people in a bid to win their sympathy is different from what they do in reality." He also defended his relationship with the Special Prosecutor, revealing, "He was my classmate. I knew him very well. I've trusted in his academic and professional abilities," and "Never once did I issue any direction to the Special Prosecutor. Never at all. Never once did I write a single letter to him in my office." He insisted, "There was never an interference whatsoever by me," and that he respected the OSP's independence even when it pursued cases involving members of the then-governing NPP.

Mr. Dame rejected suggestions that he received favorable treatment from the courts while in office, and recounted how he skipped a planned Liverpool football trip to prepare for an international arbitration case. He said, "I was not going to sacrifice the interest of the state on the altar of my personal pleasure." He ended with a call for stronger state institutions, saying, "So I think that it's important that we work in a way which strengthens state institutions."