I have never paid or taken bribe - WOYOME challenges GLC on NERQUAYE TETTEH disbarment

Friday, February 16, 2024 – Businessman Alfred Agbesi Woyome has contested the decision of the General Legal Council to disbar Samuel Nerquaye Tetteh over a transfer of GH¢400,000 into his wife's account, vehemently denying any involvement in bribery allegations.

Addressing reporters at a press conference on Friday, Woyome refuted accusations of bribery, asserting that he has never engaged in nor received any bribes throughout his life. He further emphasized his commitment to integrity by disclosing that, even in his public service roles, he never accepted fuel coupons.

Woyome, central to the GH¢51 million Waterville judgement debt case, contends that the Council's actions amount to contempt of court, while also acknowledging transferring GH¢400,000 to Samuel Nerquaye-Tetteh's wife, asserting it was solely for humanitarian reasons.

He asserted that Nerquaye-Tetteh's disbarment by the General Legal Council was targeted at him, threatening to sue the regulatory body of the legal profession in Ghana.

The General Legal Council recently struck Samuel Nerquaye Tetteh's name from the Roll of Lawyers in Ghana following revelations of receiving GHC 400,000.00 from Woyome. This disciplinary action was taken pursuant to legal provisions, as announced in a notice dated January 31st, 2024.

The notice outlined charges against Nerquaye Tetteh, a Chief State Attorney in the office of the Attorney-General, specifically related to his involvement in the case of Alfred Agbesi Woyome vs. Attorney General & Anor. The accusation focused on the transfer of GHC 400,000.00 directly from Woyome to the bank account of Nerquaye Tetteh's wife, Mrs. Gifty Nerquaye Tetteh, without reasonable explanation, tarnishing the dignity and reputation of the legal profession.

As a result, Nerquaye Tetteh is prohibited from practising law, holding himself out as a lawyer, or providing legal services to the public. The withdrawal of his license is immediate, as confirmed by a notice signed by Justice Cyra Pamela C.A. Koranteng JA, Judicial Secretary and Secretary to the General Legal Council.

This decision underscores the commitment of legal authorities to uphold the integrity and ethics of the legal profession, ensuring accountability and maintaining public trust in the legal system.