Former Eastern Regional Minister Slams Dominic Ayine’s “Unhealthy” Media Trial Approach

Former Eastern Regional Minister Seth Acheampong has criticised Attorney General Dominic Ayine for what he calls an “unhealthy” practice of conducting media trials of alleged corrupt officials before cases reach the courts.

Speaking on Breakfast Daily on Channel One TV on Thursday, October 23, 2025, Mr. Acheampong warned that such an approach could undermine the credibility of the Attorney General’s office, particularly if future court rulings fail to confirm the allegations made publicly.

“I have come to realise that my senior brother Ayine, his 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,” he said.
“You come to tell me something, and after six months, I don’t see actions; I may have my doubts.”

Mr. Acheampong argued that the Attorney General’s decision to make detailed public disclosures during the Government Accountability Series could expose him to unnecessary public backlash if the accused persons are acquitted.

“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,” he noted.

“I will just 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.”

His remarks come in the wake of Dr. Ayine’s revelations about alleged financial misconduct involving former Chief Executive Officer of the National Food and Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO), Abdul-Wahab Hanan.

During the Government Accountability Series on Wednesday, October 23, Dr. Ayine alleged that more than GH¢40 million had been transferred through Sawtina Enterprise to various individuals and entities, including Hanan, in what investigators suspect to be a money laundering scheme linked to his tenure.

Mr. Acheampong’s comments add to growing debate about the balance between transparency and due process in the prosecution of corruption-related cases.