The Minority in Parliament has strongly criticized Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Akuritinga Ayine, over his decision to enter a nolle prosequi in the high-profile case of The Republic vs. Dr. Kwabena Duffour and 7 Others, effectively halting the prosecution.
Speaking to journalists on Monday, July 28, after Dr. Ayine’s press briefing justifying the discontinuance of the case, the Minority Caucus described the decision as a blow to public confidence in the justice system. They called on the Attorney-General to reverse the decision or face legal action.
“Finally, may this press conference also serve as a formal notice to the A-G, Hon Dr. Dominic Akuritinga Ayine, that if his decision is not reversed within a reasonable time, the Minority will consider its option of proceeding to court to challenge his decision in its entirety,” stated Kwame Anyimadu-Antwi, Ranking Member on the Constitutional and Legal Affairs Committee.
The Minority has raised ethical concerns over Dr. Ayine’s prior role as legal counsel to Dr. Duffour in the same matter, questioning his ability to act impartially in his current position. They have urged Parliament’s Select Committee on Constitutional, Legal, and Parliamentary Affairs to summon the Attorney-General to provide answers regarding his conduct and the decision-making process.
In a sharp critique, the Caucus called on the General Legal Council and the Ghana Bar Association to investigate what they describe as “potential breaches of legal ethics and professional misconduct” on the part of the Attorney-General.
“All patriotic Ghanaians must stand up against what appears to be the erosion of justice and the dangerous politicization of the prosecutorial process,” the Minority emphasized, adding that, “Justice must not only be done, but it must manifestly be seen to be done.”
The Office of the Attorney-General announced the entry of nolle prosequi on Tuesday, July 22, bringing an abrupt end to the criminal prosecution of the former Finance Minister and his co-accused. The decision has since sparked widespread public concern, with many questioning whether the move undermines accountability in high-level financial cases.
Dr. Ayine, speaking at a Government Accountability Series press briefing, defended his decision. He revealed that the state had successfully recovered 60% of the total assets, with the accused agreeing to a GHC2.2 billion full and final settlement.