By Daniel Bampoe
Two of the most talked-about public figures — former Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Godfred Yeboah Dame, and Ashanti Regional NPP Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi — are both appearing before the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Accra today, in connection with separate but politically sensitive investigations.
The double appearance marks one of the most dramatic probes at the CID headquarters in recent times, drawing significant public and media attention as the two influential men face questions from investigators over serious allegations of misconduct and illegality.
Dame Faces Probe Over Jakpa’s Petition
The former Attorney General, Godfred Dame, is to be questioned over a petition filed by Richard A. Jakpa, the Director of Special Operations at the National Security Secretariat, who accuses him of attempting to manipulate witness testimony in the controversial ambulance procurement trial involving former Deputy Finance Minister, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson.
In his petition submitted in late September 2025, Jakpa alleged that Dame had, during a telephone conversation on March 26, 2024, urged him to “testify in a particular way” that would incriminate Dr. Forson, rather than provide testimony based on his own recollection of events.
Richard Jakpa further claimed that Godfred Dame advised him to obtain a fake medical excuse duty to delay his court appearance — an act he described as “criminal, dishonest and unethical.”
Richard Jakpa and Dr. Forson were co-accused in the ambulance case, which centred on allegations of financial irregularities in the procurement of 200 ambulances for the Ministry of Health.
The case has long been a politically charged one, drawing public scrutiny over alleged selective justice and political vendetta.
Following Jakpa’s petition, the CID invited Dame to respond to the allegations, which he had earlier dismissed in media interviews.
Godfred Dame insists that his advice to Jakpa about seeking a medical certificate was well-intentioned, citing concern for Jakpa’s health and his own conflicting travel schedule.
He also accused Richard Jakpa of secretly recording their conversation, insisting that the audio did not reflect any criminal intent.
Godfred Dame’s interrogation today is expected to clarify the extent of his interactions with Richard Jakpa and whether his conduct breached any legal or ethical standards.
The CID’s findings could have significant implications for the credibility of the justice system, given Dame’s former role as the nation’s chief legal advisor.
Chairman Wontumi Answers Questions Over Akonta Mining
Meanwhile, Chairman Wontumi is also scheduled to appear before the CID this morning in connection with an ongoing illegal mining (galamsey) investigation involving Akonta Mining Limited, a company allegedly linked to him.
Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, issued a stern warning last Friday, October 3, that Wontumi would face arrest should he fail to honour the CID’s summons, adding that charges have already been prepared against him.
The Akonta Mining case, which resurfaced earlier this year, revolves around allegations that the company engaged in illegal mining within protected forest reserves, a claim that has stirred public outrage and raised questions about political interference in the fight against galamsey.
According to Dr. Ayine, previous investigations into the case had stalled under the former administration because “critical dockets were concealed,” hindering prosecution.
Wontumi’s lawyer, Andy Appiah Kubi, however, confirmed that his client would fully cooperate with the police.
“We have been asked to appear at the CID headquarters at 10 a.m., and we are ready,” Appiah Kubi said in an interview with Citi News.
He described the Attorney General’s public warning as “unnecessary”, emphasizing that his client had “never disrespected the law” and was committed to clearing his name.
