The minority in Parliament asserts that the Attorney-General’s recent advice to the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, vindicates the Speaker’s decision to pause the approval process for President Akufo-Addo’s ministerial nominees.
According to the minority caucus, the Attorney-General’s letter, which criticises the Speaker’s ruling, actually aligns with the precedent set by President Akufo-Addo based on advice from the same Attorney-General.
The minority, in a statement signed by its leader, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, highlights that President Akufo-Addo, based on Mr. Yeboah Dame’s advice related to a “non-existing” suit, informed the diplomatic community that there was a court case before the Supreme Court preventing him from assenting to the anti-gay bill on March 4, 2024. However, the minority contends that no such suit existed, and the President’s claim was unfounded.
The statement further questions the fidelity to the law by comparing the actions of the Speaker, who was served with a writ of summons, and the President, who acted on the advice of the same Attorney-General regarding an injunction from a non-existent writ.
According to the minority, the Speaker demonstrated greater faithfulness to the law.
Additionally, the minority points out that the Speaker of Parliament has faced unjustified attacks from Mr. Yeboah Dame. They allude to his consistent prioritization of party interests over the broader national interest. The minority criticises Mr. Yeboah Dame’s behaviour, describing him as displaying arrogance and unbridled partisanship in the discharge of his duties, akin to a regime lawyer.
The situation, according to the minority, underscores the need to distinguish between the roles of Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, as Mr. Yeboah Dame’s behaviour exemplifies the inherent challenges of combining both positions in a single individual.
Read full statement below
