Lead consultant for the Robert Smith Law Group, Bobby Banson, has advised Ghana's Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Godfred Dame to step down from the role in response to the raging controversy over his involvement in alleged witness tampering.
Banson asserted that, if he were in the Attorney General's position, he would have resigned as a means of preserving the credibility of the office.
This stems from an allegation made by Richard Jakpa, an accused person standing trial alongside Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, for allegedly causing a financial loss of €2.37 million to the state in a deal to procure ambulances for the country.
Mr Jakpa claimed in court that Mr Dame had repeatedly sought his assistance to implicate Dr Forson in the ongoing trial.
At a press conference on Tuesday, NDC National Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketia played a secret recording of the AG and Jakpa, warning that if the president does not heed their demands to sack Mr Dame, a future NDC government will take action.
Speaking on JoyNews’ AM show on Wednesday, Mr Banson stated "if I were him, I would step aside. You know you are dealing with a situation where somebody you are cross-examining in a very highly sensitive case involving a politically exposed person says that you have attempted to influence the nature of my evidence. That is some wild allegation, and so if it is made, and it is prima facie evidence of a recording, you would clear yourself.”
According to Mr Banson, stepping aside from the role would allow independent bodies such as the General Legal Council or a commission of Inquiry, to conduct thorough investigations into the allegations without interference.
“Because the Attorney-General remains the adviser to the government in all legal matters. If you are setting up a commission of inquiry, will the president require an opinion from the Attorney General's Office? What would I do in that capacity? If it is the General Legal Council, is the Attorney General represented in the General Legal Council?
“Would there be conflict? So, I would step aside and allow this investigation mechanism to go through. At the end of the day, his career was there before this office. So, if there is anything that would threaten his career, which the NDC and other members are making calls for, I think it is a very serious allegation, that he would need his name cleared, ”he noted.
Latest Stories
-
Rehoboth Properties responds to allegations of power theft at Kweiman Estate
4 minutes -
Your social media activity can affect your student visa application – U.S. Consul General
11 minutes -
GJA elections committee chairman reaffirms commitment to credible polls
52 minutes -
Visa denial is not deliberate; adhere to the rules – U.S Consul General
1 hour -
Part of Accra Sports Stadium still closed as NSA lacks funds for repairs
1 hour -
Haruna Mohammed calls for amendment of political parties act to enable financial independence
1 hour -
Stakeholders advocate professional development for teachers in the standards-based curriculum
1 hour -
Sheffield United invited entire Shooting Stars team for trials because of me – Rashid Fuseini
1 hour -
Do not apply for visa through agents; they are liars – U.S. Consul General
1 hour -
Quash order to restore Nii Adama Latse II – Nii Tackie Tsuru urges Supreme Court
2 hours -
Ghana Maritime Authority executes second successful offshore medical evacuation in months
2 hours -
Bond market: Turnover increased by 13.17% to GH¢1.33bn
2 hours -
Israel says Iran violates ceasefire, orders strikes on Tehran
2 hours -
Hearts of Oak reassign Ouattara as Special Advisor after hiring Didi Dramani Head Coach
2 hours -
Fix the cracks first – Patrick Boamah advises NPP ahead of flagbearer race
2 hours