Lawyers for suspended National Sports Authority (NSA) Director-General, Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, say he will not appear before Parliament while an ongoing investigation by the Ghana Police Service remains active.
In a statement issued by Brookman-Amissah & Associates on behalf of Mr. Ampofo Ankrah, the legal team said matters concerning the sports administrator that have recently become the subject of public discussion and media reports are currently under investigation by the appropriate authorities.
The lawyers said Mr. Ampofo Ankrah has cooperated, and will continue to cooperate, fully with the relevant authorities to assist in establishing the facts and bringing the matter to a conclusion.
They therefore urged the public and media organisations to exercise restraint and avoid presenting allegations, speculation or unverified information as established facts.
The lawyers stressed that the existence of an investigation does not, in itself, amount to a finding or determination of wrongdoing against Mr. Ampofo Ankrah or any other person.
Why Ampofo Ankrah Won’t Appear Before Parliament
On a request for Mr. Ampofo Ankrah to appear before Parliament, his lawyers said it would be “imprudent” for him to do so while the CID investigation remains ongoing and his suspension is in force.
According to the legal team, such an appearance could potentially prejudice or interfere with the investigation, create avoidable complications and undermine the integrity of the process through which the facts are being established.
The lawyers said Mr. Ampofo Ankrah’s decision to defer his appearance should not be interpreted as a refusal to submit to any lawful process or to account to a constitutionally mandated institution.
They explained that the position is intended to protect the integrity of the ongoing investigation and avoid any action that could compromise or prejudice the process.
The legal team added that if the suspension is lifted and Mr. Ampofo Ankrah is restored to his position as Director-General of the NSA at the discretion of the Office of the President, he will respond appropriately to any lawful requirement to appear before Parliament or another competent institution.
The lawyers said substantive public commentary on the issues under investigation would remain in abeyance until the relevant authorities complete their work and formally make their findings or outcome known.
They added that Mr. Ampofo Ankrah and/or his legal representatives would respond to the findings and address any matters requiring clarification at the appropriate time.
The statement was issued by Jerry Avenorgbor Esq., Legal Counsel for Mr. Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, of Brookman-Amissah & Associates.
By: Bernard Mensah
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