Woyome saga: Separate A-G office from Ministry of Justice – Dr Nduom
The Founder of the Progressive Peoples Party (PPP), Dr Papa Kwesi Nduom, has called for a separation of the Office of the Attorney General from the Ministry of Justice.
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His comment follows the acquittal and discharge Thursday of businessman Alfred Agbesi Woyome in the GHC51.2 million judgement debt case.
Commenting on the development via his Facebook page Friday, Dr Nduom said:
“The High Court ruling on the Woyome case confirms the need for what the Progressive People's Party has been advocating for: Amend the Constitution to separate the Office of Attorney General from the Ministry of Justice to shield it from the negative effects of partisan politics and put in place an Independent Prosecutor. “
“We must all join in this and make it an all-inclusive crusade against corruption. Enough talk. Let's act, “ he added.
Mr Woyme acquitted and discharged on two counts of defrauding by false pretence and causing financial loss to the state.
The court said the state failed to prove he fraudulently obtained GHC51.2 million.
The presiding Judge, Mr Justice John Ajet-Nasam, criticised the prosecution for failing to call former Attorney-General, Mrs Betty Mould Iddrisu, Rex Magnus Danquah, Ebo Barton Odro, Paul Asimenu, Samuel Nerquaye-Tetteh and others who all had given written opinion that Woyome was entitled to the claim.
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He said the State had also failed to put up a defence when Woyome went to the Commercial Court and, therefore, found it absurd for the state to turn around and accuse Woyome of causing financial loss.
The Judge queried, "Where lies the charge of causing financial loss when the state failed to fight the case on its merit at the Commercial Court?"
He also said there were inconsistencies in the evidence led by the prosecution's witness.
Based on the foregoing, the court said there was no legal basis for Woyome to be convicted.
Immediately after the judgement, an elated Woyome was whisked away from court.