Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, has addressed concerns over the prosecution of Gregory Afoko, acknowledging the hardships he has endured throughout his prolonged legal battle.
Afoko, who has been on trial for the alleged murder of former Upper East Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Adams Mahama, remains at the center of a case that has spanned years.
Speaking at a press briefing on February 12, Dr. Ayine assured the public that “justice must not only be done but be seen to be done,” adding that if he receives internal memos on the case, he will apply reasoned judgment.
His comments come in the wake of widespread reactions to the Attorney General’s decision to discontinue several high-profile cases, many of which involved officials from the previous Mahama administration.
Among these cases are the controversial Saglemi Housing Project, charges against former Bank of Ghana Deputy Governor Johnson Asiama, the Democracy Hub case, and the long-running prosecution of former COCOBOD CEO, Dr. Stephen Opuni.
Defending his actions, Dr. Ayine explained that his ministry had not arbitrarily abandoned cases but had instead acted within the bounds of legal and procedural considerations.
“The decision to discontinue a case is never taken lightly. It is done with strict adherence to legal standards, guided by the evidence available and the broader interests of justice,” he stated.
Despite public criticism, Dr. Ayine emphasized that not all cases had been dismissed and that his office remained committed to upholding the rule of law.
He reassured that Afoko’s case, along with others still under review, would be treated fairly. “We are duty-bound to ensure justice is dispensed fairly and without prejudice,” he reiterated.
The Gregory Afoko case has been one of the most contentious trials in recent Ghanaian legal history. Afoko was initially arrested in 2015 and charged in connection with the acid attack that led to the death of Adams Mahama.
The case has since faced multiple delays, with concerns over prolonged detention and legal technicalities. Many have called for clarity on the way forward, particularly in light of the Attorney General’s recent decisions.
