Former Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Godfred Yeboah Dame, has strongly criticised the growing public perception of Ghana’s justice system operating with “two sets of laws for two sets of people.” This criticism follows the recent acquittal and discharge of Sedina Tamakloe Attionu, the former Chief Executive of the Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC).
In a press release issued on Friday, July 31, 2026, Mr. Dame argued that the Court of Appeal’s decision in the Attionu case has intensified public concerns. These concerns centre on whether political affiliation now unduly influences accountability within Ghana’s criminal justice system. He contended that this development aligns with a broader pattern in the conduct of criminal prosecutions.
This situation fits into a wider narrative of judicial scrutiny and public demand for accountability in Ghana. The perception of unequal application of justice can undermine investor confidence and public trust in state institutions. Ghana’s economic stability relies on strong, impartial governance, including a fair legal system. Previous administrations have also faced similar accusations, highlighting a persistent challenge in the nation's political landscape.
Mr. Dame alleged that the current Attorney-General has shown a tendency to discontinue cases involving leading members and affiliates of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC). Conversely, opposition figures continue to face prosecution in corruption-related cases. He maintained that the criticism surrounding Sedina Attionu’s acquittal was understandable, given the cogent evidence presented by the prosecution during the trial.
The former Attorney-General further asserted that the Sedina case has reinforced the perception that equality before the law exists “only in theory.” He warned that public confidence in the justice system suffers significantly when citizens believe justice is administered differently based on political affiliation. This erosion of trust can have long-term implications for social cohesion and democratic principles.
Mr. Dame also targeted what he described as the government’s prosecutorial priorities. He argued that Ghanaians should expect higher standards from an administration that, upon assuming office, discontinued criminal cases involving some of its leading members. This same administration, he noted, subsequently embarked on prosecutions of leading opposition figures under what he characterised as difficult trial conditions.
While expressing these concerns, Mr. Dame rejected attempts by NDC communicators to attribute Sedina Attionu’s acquittal to the previous Akufo-Addo administration. He maintained that neither he nor the Office of the Attorney-General was served with any notice of appeal during his tenure. He insisted that the appeal only became active after the change of government, clarifying the timeline of events.
To support his position, Mr. Dame recounted that his principal focus as Attorney-General was not an appeal but the enforcement of the High Court’s judgment. He disclosed that his office successfully pursued Attionu’s extradition from the United States. A United States District Court upheld Ghana’s extradition request in April 2026, demonstrating the previous government's commitment to the case.
Mr. Dame cautioned that a justice system where political allies allegedly avoid accountability while political opponents struggle to have their rights respected reflects poorly on the State. He stressed that public confidence in the administration of justice can only be preserved if the law is applied fairly, consistently, and without regard to political affiliation. This ongoing debate will likely influence public discourse and future legal reforms in Ghana.