NDC Party Dismisses NPP’s Allegations Against Ghana’s Attorney General

The NDC Communications team has rejected the NPP's allegations against the Attorney General, Dominic Ayine, over his handling of the AKSA Energy Power Project bribery allegations. The party's criticism of the Attorney General's ability to lead an independent investigation has been dismissed as baseless and without merit.

NPP's Criticism of AG's Credibility

The NPP has questioned Dr Ayine's credibility to lead the investigation, arguing that some persons who could come under scrutiny may be politically connected to the governing NDC. The party's concerns were raised in a press briefing at its headquarters in Accra, where Manhyia South MP Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah expressed the party's lack of confidence in the Attorney General.

NDC Fires Back at NPP's Criticism

In response to the NPP's criticism, a member of the NDC Communications team, Theophilus Dzimega, challenged the party's concerns as unfounded and baseless. Speaking on JoyFM's Top Story on Thursday, August 13, Mr Dzimega dismissed the allegations, saying "The allegations are baseless, unfounded and without merit."

Mr Dzimega also defended the Attorney General's cooperation with US authorities in the case involving Asante Kwaku Berko. He pointed out that the Attorney General had cooperated with the US authorities in the apprehension, prosecution, and extradition of Mr Berko, and questioned why the NPP was now doubting the Attorney General's credibility to investigate the case.

Plea Bargaining and Prosecutorial Discretion

Mr Dzimega also rejected the suggestion that the Attorney General lacks the credibility to investigate politically sensitive allegations. He referred to the Supreme Court's decision in the case involving Gregory Afoko, arguing that entering a nolle prosequi falls within the Attorney General's powers. Mr Dzimega also defended the Attorney General's decision to discontinue some criminal prosecutions, citing the Attorney General's constitutional powers.

The Attorney General's decision to discontinue some criminal prosecutions has been a point of contention, with some critics arguing that it undermines the Attorney General's credibility. However, Mr Dzimega argued that prosecutorial decisions must take into account public policy, public interest, security considerations, and the likelihood of securing a conviction.

Preempting the Outcome of the Investigation

Mr Dzimega accused the NPP of preempting the outcome of the investigation and urged the party to allow the Attorney General to carry out his constitutional mandate. He questioned who else should lead the investigation if the Attorney General is deemed unfit to do so. The NDC Communications team's rejection of the NPP's allegations has brought the debate over the Attorney General's credibility to the forefront.

The outcome of the investigation into the AKSA Energy Power Project bribery allegations remains uncertain, with both parties dug in on their respective positions. The Attorney General's ability to lead an independent investigation will be closely watched, as the outcome of the investigation could have significant implications for the government and the opposition.

Source: JOY