A-G nominee vows to protect Ghana’s interests in Cassius Mining dispute
Dr. Dominic Akuritinga Ayine, the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Designate, addressed the Appointments Committee of Parliament, responding to questions about a potential conflict of interest arising from his previous private legal practice and his prospective role as Attorney-General.
Dr. Ayine, a legal expert with over three decades of experience and a PhD in Law from Stanford University, assured the Committee of his commitment to upholding the Republic’s interests in accordance with constitutional mandates.
Conflict of interest concerns addressed
When questioned about his past representation of Cassius Mining Ltd, an Australian gold mining company, Dr Ayine clarified his current position.
“I have been instructed previously by Cassius Mining. I filed pleadings in the High Court in Bolgatanga together with my junior partner, Mr. Gordon Tamakloe. … I want to put it on record that I’m no longer Cassius Mining’s lawyer,” he stated.
He affirmed his awareness of constitutional prohibitions against conflicts of interest, emphasising, “As Attorney-General of the Republic, I will be the Republic’s lawyer. … I will not, in any manner whatsoever, compromise the interests of the Republic of Ghana.”
Track record as Deputy Attorney-General
Dr. Ayine highlighted his accomplishments during his tenure as Deputy Attorney-General under Marietta Brew Appiah-Oppong, noting the office’s reputation for integrity.
“For four years, we handled that ministry in such a way that the U.S. government described the Attorney-General’s office as a corruption-free zone,” he said.
He assured the Committee of his ability to manage the ongoing dispute with Cassius Mining. “If they are before the London Court of International Arbitration, I’m quite familiar with that tribunal … I will put in the measures that will ensure that the interests of the Republic are not compromised.”
Background of the Cassius Mining Dispute
Cassius Mining has filed a $277 million claim against Ghana at the London Court of International Arbitration. The company alleges that the government’s failure to renew its prospecting licence deprived it of the full value and profits of its gold project in the Talensi district.
Cassius initially secured a two-year prospecting licence in 2016. However, in 2019, the Ghanaian government argued that the licence was invalid as it had not been ratified under the Constitution. Subsequent legal battles ensued, with the Ghanaian High Court issuing rulings preventing Cassius from pursuing international arbitration.
Cassius open to settlement
Cassius Managing Director David Chidlow has expressed the company’s readiness to resolve the matter through arbitration or settlement. “We look forward to progressing the case and achieving a successful outcome for the benefit of shareholders and the company,” he said in a statement.