Private Legal Practitioner Nana Yaw Osei has applauded Minister of Attorney and Justice designate Dominic Akuritinga Ayine for condemning the treatment of his client, Gregory Afoko, by the former Attorney General, Godfred Yeboah Dame, as a blatant abuse of fundamental human rights.
Afoko’s decade-long ordeal is a harrowing tale of injustice, with the accused man being held in custody without bail since 2015. Despite being presumed innocent until proven guilty, Afoko has been subjected to not one, not two, but three trials based on the same facts. This egregious abuse of power has raised serious questions about the fairness and impartiality of the justice system.
“This is a classical example of using the law to abuse the rights of an accused person,” Osei declared, his voice dripping with outrage. “Has Gregory Afoko not been punished already for an offence he’s yet to be convicted and sentenced?”
Dominic Ayine, the Minister-designate for Attorney-General and Justice, responded to a question posed by John Darko, Member of Parliament for Suame Constituency, regarding the return of Tribunal courts during the appointment committee vetting.
Ayine emphasized “During your government’s tenure, Afoko Gregory was detained despite a court order granting him bail. He’s currently in detention, which is a violation of his right to liberty so these things occur”.
Osei’s criticism didn’t stop there. He also took aim at the judiciary, accusing them of being complicit in Afoko’s persecution.
“The judges are happy denying him bail, yet they want the public to believe that they are protecting the rights of persons who appear before them,” he said, his words laced with disdain.
However, Osei’s most damning revelation was yet to come. He disclosed that the only judge who had the courage to grant Afoko bail, His Lordship George Boadi, was promptly transferred to Ho – a move that Osei believes was a blatant attempt to silence a courageous judge who dared to challenge the status quo.
“The only courageous judge, His Lordship George Boadi who granted Gregory Afoko bail was immediately transferred to Ho as if Ho wasn’t part of Ghana”.
Osei’s criticism echoes concerns that the law and court system can be manipulated to abuse the rights of individuals.
“It’s just like some unscrupulous clergy men and women using the Bible or Holy Qur’an to do bad things,” he said, highlighting the need for accountability and transparency in the justice system.
As Afoko’s 10th anniversary in custody without bail approaches on May 15, 2025, Osei remains optimistic that his client will eventually see freedom. “Gregory Afoko will surely see freedom one day,” he said, emphasizing that everything is documented and will be revealed in due time.
The case has sparked widespread outrage, with many calling for justice and an end to the perceived abuse of power. As the saga unfolds, one thing is clear: Gregory Afoko’s fate remains a pressing concern for human rights advocates and the general public alike.
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