Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu has said the Attorney-General Dr. Dominic Ayine will soon brief Ghanaians on his reason for discontinuing cases against government officials.
Speaking in an interview on TV3’s New Day, Mr. Ofosu noted that although it is unusual for the Attorney-General to explain to the public reasons for filing nolle prosequi in cases, Dr. Ayine has assured to do so in the spirit of transparency and accountability.
According to Kwakye Ofosu, the Attorney-General while receiving the ORAL report at the Presidency on Monday, announced that in the coming days, he will engage the media to give reasons for withdrawing cases against some public officials.
“Yesterday at the ORAL report presentation, he said that in the course of this week, he will engage the media to explain why he has taken that decision.
“In fact, it is not usual to have an Attorney-General offer explanations for why they issue noelle prosequi but this Attorney General said in the spirit of accountability and transparency and respect for the public, he will do so,” he stated.
Government has firmly defended its decision to discontinue what it deems politically motivated court cases, following criticism from investigative journalist Manasseh Awuni Azure and others.
Minister of State for Government Communication, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has justified the Attorney-General’s move, arguing that the cases in question were frivolous and malicious rather than evidence based.
Speaking on Joy FM’s Newsnight on Monday, February 10, Mr. Kwakye Ofosu questioned why opposition figures were subjected to lengthy legal battles while state-sponsored perpetrators of political violence remained untouched.
“I have always maintained that what justification existed for prosecuting Ofosu Ampofo and leaving out the state-sponsored terrorists who engaged in the mayhem at the Ayawaso West by-election?” he asked.
He highlighted the case of Samuel Ofosu Ampofo, former National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), who was prosecuted over an alleged meeting discussing responses to political violence. In contrast, those responsible for violent attacks, such as those at the Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election, faced no legal action despite a Commission of Inquiry recommending sanctions.
