Former Deputy Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Alfred Tuah-Yeboah, has defended the decision by ex-Attorney General Godfred Yeboah Dame to represent suspended Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo in court, describing the arrangement as entirely lawful and appropriate.
Speaking on JoyNews’ ‘Newsfile’ programme on Saturday, Mr Tuah-Yeboah said there is “absolutely nothing wrong” with Mr Dame taking up the case, despite public debate surrounding the propriety of the move.
“Godfred Dame is no longer the Attorney General. He is now a private lawyer and can accept any brief presented to him, including this one involving the Chief Justice,” Mr Tuah-Yeboah said.
His remarks come amid ongoing scrutiny of the legal representation of the country’s top judicial officer, who is currently on suspension pending proceedings. Some critics have questioned whether it is suitable for a recently resigned top government lawyer to defend the Chief Justice, given the sensitive nature of the case.
But Mr Tuah-Yeboah insists the arrangement is within legal and ethical bounds. “The Chief Justice, like any Ghanaian, has the right to decide who should represent her in court. If she has confidence in Mr Dame’s ability, there’s absolutely nothing inappropriate about her engaging his services,” he explained.
The former deputy AG also pointed out that once Mr Dame left public office, he regained full rights as a private legal practitioner. He emphasised that professional qualifications and personal choice should remain at the heart of such decisions, rather than political perception.
The defence by Mr Tuah-Yeboah adds to the growing chorus of legal voices weighing in on the case, which continues to attract national attention amid broader conversations about judicial independence and accountability.
