Despite demands for the resignation or removal of Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Godfred Dame, due to allegations of professional misconduct, President Akufo-Addo has stood firmly in his corner. The president, without directly addressing the controversies surrounding Dame in the ongoing ambulance procurement trial, praised him as one of the finest products of his law firm, Akufo-Addo, Prempeh & Co., where Dame honed his legal skills.
The president’s commendation came during the commissioning of ‘The Law House’ project in Accra, a monumental initiative that Dame has seen through to completion. Taking office in 2021, when the project was lingering at 36% completion, Dame’s dedication was pivotal in resurrecting and finalizing this longstanding venture.
President Akufo-Addo attributed the successful completion of the building, a project lingering for over two decades, to Dame’s unwavering commitment and support. “He has done a yeoman’s job, and I say a hearty congratulations to him; after all, he is one of the many worthy products of Messrs. Akufo-Addo, Prempeh, and Co.,” the president remarked during the event. He emphasized that the significance of this building transcends its physical structure, symbolizing a strong commitment to upholding the tenets of the rule of law.
In his speech, President Akufo-Addo underscored the importance of the rule of law as the bedrock of any thriving democracy, ensuring that no one is above the law. He elaborated on how this principle guarantees equality before the law, a fair and impartial administration of justice, and the protection of citizens’ rights and freedoms. “It is the foundation upon which we build an equitable, free, and just society,” he noted.
Throughout his tenure, the president has championed considerable advancements in strengthening the rule of law in Ghana. His administration has embarked on a journey of digitalization and modernization of the country’s legal and judicial systems. Recognizing the need to keep pace with technological advancements in this digital age, these reforms aim at an efficient administration of justice.
The Law House project, initiated back in 2001 and originally slated for completion in May 2004, faced numerous delays leading to its termination and subsequent re-awarding in January 2023. Finally reaching completion in June 2024, the project has spanned the administrations of four presidents, including John Agyekum Kufuor, John Evans Atta Mills, John Dramani Mahama, and Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. Originally planned as an eight-story office building, adjustments were made to finalize it as a ten-story structure with a two-level basement.
The completed Law House now boasts conference rooms, 130 office spaces, 120 parking lots, an eating area, and various other facilities, significantly enhancing its capacity and functionality. This building is expected to serve as an important hub for legal and judicial activities in Ghana, providing enough space and resources for legal professionals and the judiciary.
Profile of Godfred Yeboah Dame: Graduating with a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Ghana in 2001 and further obtaining his professional law qualification from the Ghana School of Law in 2003, Godfred Yeboah Dame has been a formidable presence in the legal scene. Called to the Bar in October 2003, he started his professional journey at Akufo-Addo, Prempeh & Co., specializing in various aspects of civil litigation.
Dame’s commitment to defending media rights, human rights, rule of law, and civil liberties earned him the Open Society Initiative Fellowship in 2006, with an opportunity to engage in the Programme in Comparative Media Law and Policy at the University of Oxford’s Centre for Socio-Legal Studies. He has also been part of the teaching faculty for Company Law and Practice at the Ghana School of Law from 2011 to 2016 and briefly taught Advocacy and Legal Ethics there in January 2017, before his political appointment.
Serving on multiple boards including the Legal Service Board, the Ministerial Advisory Board of the Ministry of Justice, the Board of the University of Ghana Medical Centre, and the Board of the Public Procurement Authority, Dame’s influence extends across various facets of governance and public service. On January 21, 2021, he was nominated by President Akufo-Addo as the Attorney General and Minister for Justice and was sworn into office on March 5, 2021, following Parliament’s approval.
