Former Attorney-General Godfred Dame Reportedly Invited by CID Over Alleged Witness Influence

Former Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Godfred Yeboah Dame, is reported to have been invited by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service following a petition alleging attempts to improperly influence a witness in an ongoing legal matter. The development has drawn significant public attention, as Dame only recently left office after serving as the country’s chief legal advisor and a prominent figure in government.

The reports suggest that the CID is looking into claims made by a senior official, Richard Jakpa, who alleged that the former Attorney-General contacted him in connection with his testimony in court. Jakpa claims that Dame reached out after the prosecution had closed its case, allegedly urging him to align his testimony in a way that would favor the state’s position. The petition also alleges that Dame advised Jakpa to secure a medical excuse in order to delay his court appearance until the Attorney-General could personally attend proceedings. According to Jakpa, such advice was inappropriate and could amount to interference in the judicial process.

Although the claims remain allegations, they carry heavy weight given the office Dame once held. As Attorney-General, he was not only the chief legal representative of the state but also responsible for safeguarding the integrity of Ghana’s justice system. Any suggestion of misconduct, therefore, has both political and institutional implications. For the CID, the task of handling a matter involving a recently departed senior government official poses a sensitive test of independence and credibility.

Sources indicate that the CID had initially scheduled an appointment with Mr. Dame to respond to the petition but later postponed the meeting. It is unclear whether a new date has been firmly set or whether Dame has formally responded to the invitation. The former Attorney-General himself has not issued a public statement on the matter, leaving room for speculation about his stance and possible legal strategy.

Godfred Yeboah Dame’s career in public service has been closely followed since he first entered the Ministry of Justice as a Deputy Attorney-General in 2017. Rising quickly through the ranks, he was appointed Attorney-General and Minister for Justice in 2021, becoming one of the youngest individuals to hold the position in Ghana’s history. During his tenure, he led several high-profile prosecutions, championed legal reforms, and often defended government positions in politically charged cases. Supporters have described him as principled and determined, while critics have occasionally accused him of being combative in his approach.

This latest development adds a controversial chapter to his career. If the CID proceeds with a full investigation, it would mark one of the rare occasions in Ghana’s recent history where a former Attorney-General is questioned over alleged impropriety. Legal analysts note that such a step could help reinforce the principle that no individual, regardless of rank, is above accountability. On the other hand, political commentators caution that the matter must be handled carefully to avoid perceptions of witch-hunting, especially given Ghana’s polarized political environment.

Civil society groups and members of the legal fraternity are expected to weigh in on the issue in the coming days. For many observers, the case is not just about the fate of one individual but also about the broader questions it raises concerning the separation of powers, the rule of law, and the integrity of judicial proceedings. If it is established that there was an attempt to influence a witness, it could amount to obstruction of justice, a serious matter with legal consequences.

As things stand, much remains uncertain. The CID has not released official details about the petition, the timeline for its investigations, or what specific actions might follow. Likewise, without a statement from Godfred Dame or his legal team, the public has little clarity on how he intends to respond to the allegations. The unfolding events will therefore be watched closely, both within legal circles and across the political landscape.

For now, the reported invitation marks the beginning of a potentially far-reaching inquiry into one of the country’s most recent Attorneys-General. Whether the matter results in formal charges, disciplinary actions, or is eventually dismissed, it has already stirred national debate about accountability, justice, and the expectations placed on public officers long after they leave office.