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Commentary on high profile criminal cases exceeding limits of free speech – AG warns
Godfred Yeboah Dame, has cautioned individuals who make commentary on high-profile criminal cases in the country to refrain from such acts.
According to the Attorney-General, such commentary exceeds the permissible limits of free speech, unduly interferes with the work of State Prosecutors, and adds unnecessary pressure on the courts.
In an official statement, the Attorney-General emphasized that all individuals in Ghana are equal before the law, regardless of their citizenship or social status. He firmly stated that no one is above the laws of Ghana and that everyone is subject to their application.
The Attorney-General’s response was prompted by an appeal by the Dormaahene, Oseadeeyo Agyeman Badu II, who serves as both a traditional leader and a high court judge, urging charges against Member of Parliament for Assin North, James Gyakye Quayson to be dropped.
Oseadeeyo Agyeman Badu II made the appeal during the John Evans Atta Mills 10th Anniversary Commemorative lecture held in Sunyani on July 1.
Dismissing the appeal, the Attorney-General, in a two-page response, described such calls as unfortunate and unwarranted.
He emphasized that the decision to press charges against an individual is not influenced by their political, social, or economic standing, but rather based on the strength of the evidence, subject to the scrutiny of the courts.
The Attorney-General also emphasized that an acquittal does not imply malice on the part of the prosecution and that the perception that crimes committed by individuals of high political standing should go unpunished is detrimental to society and should not be tolerated.
Read the full statement below
RE: UNJUSTIFIED COMMENTARY ABOUT PENDING CRIMINAL AND OTHER CASES AND ATTACKS ON STATE ATTORNEYS
The Office of the Attorney-General and Ministry of Justice has observed with serious concern the increased tendency for various persons,
including members of the legal profession of considerable standing, to run extremely prejudicial commentary on cases pending before the
courts.
The cases which have been the subject of unwarranted public commentary include but are not limited to, Republic vrs. James Gyakye-
Credit: Citinewsroom.com
The Dzidula Pink Foundation, a new organisation dedicated to cancer awareness, early detection, and patient support, has been officially launched in Accra, with a passionate call for national commitment to fighting the disease. The launch event, held last week Friday, carried the theme: “Beyond the diagnosis: A future of restoration, care and courage.”
Speaking at the event, Madam Abena Brigidi, founder and CEO of Nimed Capital Limited, emphasised that cancer remains one of the most devastating health challenges facing families across the country. “Cancer does not discriminate—it affects mothers, fathers, daughters, and sons. It drains families emotionally and financially, and behind every statistic is a human story and a future suddenly thrown into uncertainty,” she said.
Sharing her personal encounters with cancer, having lost both her husband and father to the disease, Madam Brigidi highlighted the emotional, financial, and physical scars left behind. “I stand here not just as a speaker, but as a witness to what cancer can take away,” she stated. “I have watched loved ones fight bravely, and I have felt the deep pain that loss leaves behind.”
She stressed that awareness and early detection are critical to reducing deaths, noting that many Ghanaians still lack access to proper screening, reliable information, and adequate treatment. She appealed to healthcare professionals, corporate institutions, policymakers, the media, and the general public to join hands in the fight. “Early detection saves lives. Your support today can lead to someone’s healing tomorrow,” she said.
Madam Brigidi further called for collective responsibility to sustain the foundation’s mission. “To our medical professionals, we need your expertise. To corporate partners, your resources. To the media, your voice. To policymakers, your support. And to the public, your compassion,” she urged. She also insisted that breast cancer awareness should not be limited to annual campaigns, saying, “Breast cancer awareness must not be seasonal.”
Mrs Diana Fafa Gozo, founder of the Dzidula Pink Foundation, shared her own cancer journey, describing the shock of diagnosis, the fear that followed, and the difficult path through treatment. Her experience transformed her pain into purpose and inspired her to create a foundation to ensure no cancer patient walks alone.
Mrs Gozo explained that many patients struggle not only with treatment costs but also with emotional resilience. She outlined the foundation’s initiatives, which include awareness and early detection campaigns, patient support funds, community outreach, and survival support circles. “This foundation is my offering of gratitude, courage, and compassion and a reminder that no one should walk the cancer journey alone,” she concluded.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
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The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) says it will deploy teams of Public Health Officers, members of its Sanitation Taskforce, and labourers, including sweepers and janitors, across all sub-metros to support the third National Sanitation Day exercise.
It explained that these teams will be equipped with waste collection trucks, tippers, and other tools to help with desilting, refuse collection, and transporting waste to approved disposal sites.
The AMA reminded residents that failing to comply with the sanitation directive or refusing to participate in communal labour is an offence.
It said offenders risk a fine of up to 100 penalty units, imprisonment between 30 days and six months, or both, with repeat offenders liable to additional daily penalties.
It urged all residents, traders, transport operators, market women, shop owners, landlords, tenants, and businesses to actively participate in the exercise.
The AMA said it counts on everyone’s collective responsibility to keep Accra clean, liveable, and resilient, especially as the city approaches Christmas and the New Year.
By: Jacob Aggrey
