Photo: Dr Dominic Ayine, Attorney General
• Ayine says the Presidency backs his go-slow approach
The Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr Dominic Ayine, has dismissed growing criticism over the perceived slow pace of prosecutions under his watch, insisting that neither the President nor any senior government official has put pressure on him to secure convictions at all costs.
In a firm but measured response to critics at a press briefing in Accra, Dr Ayine said his focus was on building strong, evidence-based cases that would stand the test of legal scrutiny — not rushing into court simply to satisfy public impatience or political expectations.
“Now, those who are pushing me to go to court, and who are saying that by now a conviction should have been obtained, are being unfair,” he said. “I know you are Ghanaians who have legitimate expectations of your government officials, including the President and the Attorney-General. But we need to do a good job. Accountability costs resources, and accountability takes time.”
He cautioned that hasty prosecutions would only backfire and weaken the justice system.
“If I rush to court and defence lawyers raise objections that throw my cases out, the same Ghanaians who wanted me to go to court expeditiously will now turn around and say Ayine is an incompetent lawyer,” he said pointedly.
Dr Ayine’s remarks come amid criticism from sections of the public and civil society groups who argue that the government’s anti-corruption promises have not translated into tangible results. Some have accused his office of dragging its feet on high-profile cases involving state funds and political appointees.
However, the Attorney-General pushed back against such claims, describing them as misinformed and simplistic interpretations of due process. He said the complex nature of financial crime investigations required careful coordination, patience, and strong evidence to avoid embarrassment in court.
“Accountability is not just a slogan; it takes time, money, and hard work,” he said. “You cannot simply walk into court and expect to win because the public wants a conviction.”
He further revealed that contrary to popular assumptions, he works independently and without political interference, describing the support from the Presidency as “respectful and professional.”
“Mr President, who is my boss, has never put pressure on me. On the contrary, when I brief him, he gives me his blessing. He doesn’t even express an opinion about my work,” Dr Ayine said.
“The Chief of Staff has never put pressure on me; the Secretary to the President, Dr Calistus Mahama, has never put pressure on me. On the contrary, he encourages me. The legal counsel to the President, my former boss, has never put pressure on me.”
Dr Ayine’s remarks, which many observers interpreted as a direct rebuttal to his critics, effectively called their bluff — suggesting that some of the loudest voices calling for quick prosecutions do not understand the painstaking work behind airtight cases.
He concluded by urging Ghanaians to remain patient and judge his office by the strength and integrity of its outcomes, not by speed or political convenience.
“What matters is results that endure, not headlines that fade,” he said
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