Ghana’s Attorney General, Dr. Dominic Ayine, has justified his decision to hold press conferences before filing criminal charges against former government appointees, insisting that the practice promotes transparency rather than public trials.
Speaking in an interview with Bolgatanga-based A1 Radio, Dr. Ayine explained that his public briefings are not intended to judge or condemn suspects but to keep the public informed about matters of national interest. He maintained that such actions do not violate any legal provisions.
“I don’t try anybody in public,” he stressed.
Dr. Ayine noted that similar practices exist in other democratic jurisdictions and are widely accepted. He cited the example of the Manhattan District Attorney, who held an extensive press briefing outlining charges against former U.S. President Donald Trump before formally submitting them to court.
“America has been a democracy for over 200 years,” he said, adding that no one accused U.S. prosecutors of conducting public trials simply for explaining charges prior to court proceedings.
Addressing concerns about possible prejudice, Dr. Ayine argued that critics are uneasy because the evidence he presents is solid and capable of being proven in court. “Sometimes they get afraid that the public will realize that these individuals have indeed committed the offences I am charging them with,” he stated.
