H. E. Ambassador Diana Acconcia, Head of European Union (EU) Delegation to Ghana paid a courtesy call on the A-G and Minister for Justice, Godfred Yeboah Dame on 19th April,2021 to congratulate him on his appointment as the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice.
The Ambassador noted how important it was for the two countries to cooperate to deal with issues of Justice, Rule of Law and Accountability.
She mentioned that, the visit was to explain to the Minister what the European Union was doing with the Office of the Attorney-General and Ministry of Justice particularly their role in the Accountability, Rule of Law and Anti- Corruption Programme (ARAP).
Ms. Acconcia also said that, the Instrument relating to human trafficking, drug trafficking, cybercrime, maritime security etc require support from the AG’s office particularly support from the Prosecution Division to ensure the promotion of peace and stability.
The Attorney-General and Minister for Justice on his part noted the long-standing relationship between the European Union and Ghana and added that, ‘they have been partners in rule of law and accountability, democracy and public sector development’.
Mr. Dame also expressed satisfaction on the EU’s recent report on Ghana’s elections. He indicated that, their recommendations on the elections were good. He explained that, their observations with regards to the restricted time frame within which Parliamentary election depute had to be dealt with has been noted.
Again, their observations on the need to make some regulations on funding for political parties, the need for the Electoral Commission to minimize corrections on elections among others have all been noted.
The Hon.Attorney-General further mentioned that, his office was working to ensure the passage of the Code of Conduct for Public Officers Bill, which according to him will help check conflict of interest and abuse of power on the part of public officers and the passage of the Alternative Sentencing Act.
He appealed to the EU to support the Office organise stakeholder consultations on those pieces of legislation.
The A-G also talked about the digitization process of the Ministry which will incorporate an E-Library facility for Attorneys.
He again stressed on the infrastructural needs of the office and added that if indeed some assistance have to be offered, then it ought to be on the physical infrastructural needs of the office.
Hon. Godfred Yeboah Dame however pledged his support and his government’s commitment in ensuring stronger ties between Ghana and the European Union.
Her Excellency Ms. Diana ACCONCIA was accompanied by Mr. Pieter SMIDT VAN GELDER, Political Counsellor and Mr. Sotirios BAZIKAME, Governance Advisor.
