A heated social media exchange has erupted between Wontumi FM journalist Gordon Asare-Bediako and Attorney General (AG) Dr. Dominic Ayine over the latter’s public commentary on alleged corruption suspects before their court appearances.
In a strongly worded Facebook post, Asare-Bediako criticized the Attorney General for what he described as an inappropriate and prejudicial approach to justice.
“It is very disingenuous if not dangerous for an Attorney General to mount the podium to make declarations and emphatic statements about a suspect before putting him before the Court,” the journalist wrote.
“From what Dr. Dominic Ayine did today and in previous instances, he only stopped short of sentencing his victims. In his next public appearance, he should declare them guilty and add their years of incarceration.”
The post quickly drew attention online, sparking a broader debate on the ethical boundaries of public communication by state prosecutors.
Dr. Ayine, who also serves as Minister of Justice, responded directly under the journalist’s post, drawing a comparison to international prosecutorial practice.
“So, when the District Attorney for the Southern District of New York announced the Trump investigation and laid out the charges, she had pronounced them guilty? You guys are interesting,” the Attorney General replied.
However, Asare-Bediako hit back, accusing Dr. Ayine of engaging in “media trials” rather than focusing on courtroom advocacy.
“Dominic Ayine, did you lay out their charges today? No. You only staged a media trial in a subtle attempt to tie the hands of presiding judges when the suspects — whom I call your victims — appear before them,” he wrote.
“You can just let the public know that investigations are over, you’re going to court, and read out their charges. You know better than what you’re doing now as the AG. Up your game. Let’s see you more in the courtroom and leave the streets for Shatta Wale.”
The exchange has since attracted significant public engagement, with commenters divided between defending the Attorney General’s transparency and supporting the journalist’s call for restraint and adherence to the presumption of innocence principle.
In a related development, former Eastern Regional Minister Seth Acheampong has criticized Attorney General Dominic Ayine’s “media trial” of alleged corrupt persons, warning that it could undermine the AG’s reputation for competence, especially in cases where convictions may later be overturned.
Speaking in an interview on Thursday, October 23, 2025, Mr. Acheampong labelled Mr. Ayine’s approach as “unhealthy,” particularly condemning his courting of public sympathy during the Government Accountability Series.
“I have come to realize that my senior brother Ayine ‘s style is to do a media trial before getting to court. He was courting public sympathy when I watched him yesterday.
“That’s the defect when you do this style of prosecution. You come to tell me something, and after six months, I don’t see actions; I may have my doubts,” he said.
Mr. Acheampong further noted that rushing to the media exposes the Attorney General to criticism if accused persons are not ultimately convicted.
“For now, the AG is alleging, and certainly he would have to prove in court that these people are really guilty of the offences he is raising against them. I will counsel my senior brother as he is building himself; he needs to hasten slowly. Rushing to the media, the media will always come back for results,” he added.
His comments follow allegations of financial misconduct by Abdul-Wahab Hanan, the former Chief Executive Officer of the National Food and Buffer Stock Company, during the Government Accountability Series on October 23, 2025.
Dr. Ayine disclosed that over GH¢40 million was allegedly transferred through Sawtina Enterprise to several individuals and entities — including Hanan — as part of what investigators suspect is a money-laundering scheme connected to the former CEO’s tenure.
