Former Attorney-General Godfred Dame hauled before General Legal Council

A formal complaint has been filed against Ghana’s former Attorney-General, Mr. Godfred Yeboah Dame. The complaint is with the General Legal Council (GLC). It alleges professional misconduct related to an ongoing criminal trial.

Citizen and legal activist Daniel Kwame Ofosu-Appiah submitted the complaint on May 22, 2025. He invoked Section 18 of the Legal Profession Act, 1960 (Act 32). This section allows anyone to report a lawyer for misconduct.

The case involved is The Republic v. Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson & Anor. (Suit No. CR/0198/2022). Mr. Ofosu-Appiah's petition focuses on a controversial audio recording admitted as evidence by the High Court.

This recording, entered as Exhibit 9, captures a private conversation between Mr. Dame and Mr. Richard Jakpa, the third accused. The petitioner argues that it shows attempts by Mr. Dame to influence Mr. Jakpa’s testimony improperly.

This could compromise prosecutorial integrity and the accused's right to a fair trial under Article 19(2) of Ghana’s Constitution. The complaint also claims that Mr. Dame held four undisclosed meetings with Mr. Jakpa at a private residence.

Additionally, he exchanged WhatsApp messages with Jakpa during the trial without involving his legal counsel. The petitioner cites multiple breaches of the Legal Profession (Professional Conduct and Etiquette) Rules, 2020 (L.I. 2423).

These violations include:

- Failure to act with honesty and integrity
- Engaging in deceit or misrepresentation
- Direct communication with a represented party
- Attempting to improperly influence a witness
- Conduct likely to discredit the legal profession
- Compromising the administration of justice

Mr. Ofosu-Appiah urges the GLC's Disciplinary Committee to impose appropriate sanctions under Section 16 of the Legal Profession Act. Sanctions could include reprimand, suspension, or removal from the roll of lawyers.

In closing remarks, he highlighted serious concerns about professional ethics and judicial independence due to this case. The complaint has also been sent to Acting Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie for review.