Godfred Yeboah Dame reported to General Legal Council for alleged misconduct

The General Legal Council (GLC) has received a petition against former Attorney-General Godfred Yeboah Dame. The petition alleges professional misconduct related to the trial of Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson and Richard Jakpa.

Daniel Kwame Ofosu-Appiah, a Ghanaian citizen, filed the complaint. He cites serious ethical breaches and seeks action under Ghana’s Legal Profession Act, 1960 (Act 32).

In his petition dated May 22, 2025, Mr. Ofosu-Appiah claims Mr. Dame tried to influence a key witness. This witness is Mr. Richard Jakpa, the third accused in the case.

Central to this complaint is an audio recording from the trial. The recording captures a private conversation between Mr. Dame and Mr. Jakpa.

Mr. Ofosu-Appiah argues that this recording shows Mr. Dame attempted to sway Mr. Jakpa’s testimony. He believes this compromises fairness and integrity in the judicial process.

The audio evidence was admitted by Justice Afia Serwah Asare-Botwe on June 13, 2024. WhatsApp messages between Mr. Dame and Mr. Jakpa were also accepted as exhibits.

Mr. Jakpa testified that these communications happened without his lawyer's knowledge or consent.

Mr. Ofosu-Appiah claims that Mr. Dame's actions violate several rules of professional conduct from the Legal Profession (Professional Conduct and Etiquette) Rules, 2020 (L.I. 2423).

These include:

- Rule 1(c): Failure to act with honesty and integrity.
- Rule 8(1): Engaging in deceitful conduct.
- Rule 13(1)(a) & (b): Direct communication with a represented party.
- Rule 54: Attempting to improperly influence a witness.
- Rule 61: Conduct likely to discredit the legal profession.
- Rule 76(2)(a): Compromising justice administration.
- Rule 89(a): General professional misconduct.

The complaint also references Rule 9(4) from the earlier Legal Profession Rules of 1969, emphasizing fairness in prosecutorial conduct.

Mr. Ofosu-Appiah submitted this petition in public interest under Article 41(b) of the Constitution. He stated that citizens must uphold accountability in public office.

He urges the GLC to impose appropriate sanctions as outlined in Section 16 of the Legal Profession Act—such as reprimand or suspension.

“The actions of Mr. Godfred Yeboah Dame have undermined public confidence,” he said.

“This matter requires urgent and thorough investigation.”