The Attorney General, Godfred Yeboah Dame, has clarified his reasons for refraining from reviewing the report on galamsey presented by former Environment Minister, Professor Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng.
In an exclusive interview with Kojo Yankson, Mr Dame expressed his interest in investigating the report but emphasized the importance of independent bodies handling the investigation.
He highlighted that the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) and the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) are already involved in the matter, stating, “If now I, as Attorney General were to review the report, what would you think? I'm sure it will lend itself to all kinds of suspicions.”
Mr Dame reiterated his belief that independent entities should examine the report, stating, “I can look at the report and review it, but if I do so, the same media will say ‘he's just a government's lawyer.' Yes, let independent people look at it.”
While the Attorney General is not actively involved in the investigation into Professor Frimpong-Boateng's allegations, he assured the public that proper procedures are being followed.
He also revealed that the police have invited Professor Frimpong-Boateng for questioning as part of the ongoing investigation.
Mr. Dame clarified that he did not intervene in the investigative process because the police will eventually transfer the case docket to his office.
He further stated that his office will assess whether the report warrants prosecution.
“I've not removed myself from the process, I'm part of it. It's just a due process that will have to be followed,” Mr Dame emphasized.
The Attorney General cautioned the media not to treat the report as indisputable until it has undergone legal scrutiny.
He advised, “Do not raise the level of it and do not accord any sanctity to the report until it has gone through the test prescribed by law.”
On April 20, a leaked report compiled by Professor Frimpong-Boateng implicated top government officials in the illegal mining activities known as galamsey.
The report alleged that corruption extended to the highest levels of government, including the Jubilee House.
Professor Frimpong-Boateng dismissed claims that he was involved in the disappearance of 500 seized excavators, asserting that those allegations were fabricated by certain individuals within the government to undermine him.
Following these revelations, calls were made by various sections of Ghanaian society for state security agencies to thoroughly investigate the report.
Consequently, President Akufo-Addo instructed the Ghana Police Service to probe the matter.
