Commentary on high profile criminal cases exceeding limits of free speech – AG warns

Godfred Yeboah Dame, has cautioned individuals who make commentary on high-profile criminal cases in the country to refrain from such acts.

According to the Attorney-General, such commentary exceeds the permissible limits of free speech, unduly interferes with the work of State Prosecutors, and adds unnecessary pressure on the courts.

In an official statement, the Attorney-General emphasized that all individuals in Ghana are equal before the law, regardless of their citizenship or social status. He firmly stated that no one is above the laws of Ghana and that everyone is subject to their application.

The Attorney-General’s response was prompted by an appeal by the Dormaahene, Oseadeeyo Agyeman Badu II, who serves as both a traditional leader and a high court judge, urging charges against Member of Parliament for Assin North, James Gyakye Quayson to be dropped.

Oseadeeyo Agyeman Badu II made the appeal during the John Evans Atta Mills 10th Anniversary Commemorative lecture held in Sunyani on July 1.

Dismissing the appeal, the Attorney-General, in a two-page response, described such calls as unfortunate and unwarranted.

He emphasized that the decision to press charges against an individual is not influenced by their political, social, or economic standing, but rather based on the strength of the evidence, subject to the scrutiny of the courts.

The Attorney-General also emphasized that an acquittal does not imply malice on the part of the prosecution and that the perception that crimes committed by individuals of high political standing should go unpunished is detrimental to society and should not be tolerated.

Read the full statement below

RE: UNJUSTIFIED COMMENTARY ABOUT PENDING CRIMINAL AND OTHER CASES AND ATTACKS ON STATE ATTORNEYS

The Office of the Attorney-General and Ministry of Justice has observed with serious concern the increased tendency for various persons,
including members of the legal profession of considerable standing, to run extremely prejudicial commentary on cases pending before the
courts.

The cases which have been the subject of unwarranted public commentary include but are not limited to, Republic vrs. James Gyakye-

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