Anti-corruption crusader Vitus Azeem has expressed strong disapproval of the Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine’s decision to discontinue certain high-profile cases involving individuals affiliated with the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
Azeem described the reasons provided by the Attorney General as “unfair” and called for greater accountability in handling such cases.
Dr. Ayine had explained that his decision to discontinue the cases stemmed from a potential conflict of interest, as he had previously served as the legal representative for some of the individuals involved.
However, Azeem argued that this justification was insufficient, emphasizing that the Attorney General’s office is an institution, not an individual, and that Dr. Ayine could have recused himself to allow other prosecutors to handle the cases.
Speaking on Channel One TV’s The Big Issue, Azeem stated, “I don’t agree with the justification given for two cases. I think that was wrong because the Attorney General’s office is an office and not an individual. The Attorney General is the head, and as an Attorney General, he can recuse himself from any case if there is a possible conflict of interest. That is why there are a lot of solicitors in the office. So, he could have just allowed the case to continue by his workers.”
Azeem further criticized the decision, stating, “It is even more serious that just because you defended them, now that you are the AG, you will not continue. I think that is not fair.”
His response follows the decision of the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, to discontinue criminal charges against several individuals affiliated with the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
These individuals include Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, Ofosu Ampofu, Dr. Stephen Opuni, and the Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr. Johnson Pandit Asiama, among others.
