The Office of the Attorney General (AG) and Ministry of Justice have found themselves embroiled in a contentious dispute with Franklin Cudjoe, the founder and CEO of IMANI, over a social media post attributed to him. The post, reportedly authored by Cudjoe, leveled severe criticism at AG Godfred Yeboah Dame, accusing him of providing "illiberal and politically divisive advice" to an allegedly autocratic executive, particularly concerning the liberties of individuals whom they purportedly "disrespect and dislike."
In response, the AG's spokesperson, Isaac Wilberforce Mensah, swiftly issued a stern rebuke, categorically refuting the allegations contained in Cudjoe's post. Mensah vehemently denied that the AG had dispensed any such advice, specifically regarding individuals mentioned in Cudjoe's post, including Domelevo, Charlotte Osei, James Quayson, Martin Amidu, and Ato Forson. He challenged Cudjoe to produce concrete evidence substantiating his claims, asserting that the accusations were baseless and without merit.
Furthermore, Mensah emphasized that some of the individuals cited by Cudjoe are currently facing prosecution for alleged offenses deemed to warrant legal action based on established facts. He highlighted the inaccuracy of Cudjoe's assertions by pointing out that Godfred Dame had not even held the position of AG during the period relevant to Daniel Yao Domelovo's case. This underscores the importance of factual accuracy and precision in public discourse, especially concerning sensitive legal matters.
The AG's spokesperson concluded his statement by urging Cudjoe to retract his allegations and issue a public apology, not only for the sake of rectifying the misinformation but also to uphold the credibility of IMANI as a reputable think tank. Mensah underscored the significance of responsible communication, particularly from influential individuals and organizations, in maintaining the integrity of public discourse.
This incident serves as a reminder of the potential repercussions of unsubstantiated claims in the digital age, where misinformation can spread rapidly and tarnish reputations unjustly. It also highlights the necessity for thorough research and diligence before making public statements, especially when criticizing public officials or institutions. As of now, Cudjoe has not publicly responded to the demand for retraction and apology, leaving the matter unresolved and casting a shadow over the relationship between IMANI and the Office of the Attorney General.
