In the ongoing ambulance trial, Legal Practitioner Mr. Alex Quartey has advised practicing lawyers and state prosecutors to refrain from contacting accused individuals in pending cases without the permission of their legal representatives.
He stressed that it is inappropriate to directly communicate with a colleague’s client when a case is pending.
Mr. Quartey highlighted the ethical implications of such actions, referencing the accusations of witness tampering leveled against Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Godfred Yeboah Dame by the third accused, Mr. Richard Jakpa.
These allegations arose from purported conversations between Mr. Dame and Mr. Jakpa, raising significant ethical concerns within the legal community.
“This case serves as a crucial lesson for lawyers and state prosecutors: you should not engage with an accused person in a pending matter without their counsel’s consent, regardless of your intentions,” Mr Quartey stated.
He underscored that despite good intentions, such behaviors have the potential to compromise the legal proceedings and professional ethics.
Mr. Quartey imparted these observations during an interview on the Ghana Yensom morning show, facilitated by Otafrigya Kaayire Kwesi Apea-Apreku, aired on Accra 100.5 FM on Wednesday, May 29, 2024.
Additionally, he recommended exercising caution when visiting a colleague who assumes a judicial role to preserve professional boundaries and uphold the legal profession’s integrity.
“To help safeguard the integrity of our profession, it is essential to adhere to these ethical guidelines and ensure that our actions do not compromise the justice system,” Mr Quartey concluded