Godfred Dame should know better after leaving office – Martin Amidu fires

Ghana's former Special Prosecutor, Martin Amidu, has raised ethical concerns. He addressed these issues in an open letter about former Attorney-General Godfred Yeboah Dame. This comes amid the ongoing legal and political situation regarding Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo's potential removal.

Amidu noted that Dame is free to represent clients after leaving office on January 6, 2025. However, he questioned the wisdom of Dame’s involvement in a politically sensitive case so soon after his tenure.

“Every previous Attorney-General knows public perception matters after leaving office,” Amidu wrote. He shared his own experience from 2001 when he declined to represent Professor Kofi Awoonor in a criminal trial. Despite personal ties, he felt it would not serve Awoonor's best interests or those of the government.

Amidu contrasted his decision with Dame’s choice to represent Vincent Ekow Assafuah. Assafuah is challenging President Mahama’s handling of petitions against the Chief Justice. While Amidu acknowledged that Dame does not directly represent her, he questioned how this looks given Dame’s role in her nomination.

On March 27, 2025, Chief Justice Torkornoo publicly requested access to the petitions against her. She also asked for seven days to respond before any formal inquiry begins. Her letter was reported by Joy FM.

Amidu criticized Torkornoo for publicizing her request and copying influential individuals and organizations. He believed this strategy could backfire and argued that discretion might have gained more sympathy or procedural advantage.

The situation escalated on May 21, 2025, when the Supreme Court dismissed two significant cases against the impeachment process. One case was filed by CenCES and another by Theodore Kofi Atta-Quartey. Both sought to challenge the constitutionality of the procedures against Torkornoo.