Attorney General role earned, not accidental – Ayine

Dr. Dominic Akuritinga Ayine says his appointment as Ghana’s Attorney General is a major honour shaped by years of legal and public service preparation.

The Attorney General expressed gratitude to President John Dramani Mahama for the confidence reposed in him, describing the role as both a privilege and a heavy responsibility that demands commitment and competence.

“When the President appointed me as Attorney General, it meant a lot to me, and I am really grateful to the President for the privilege and the honour,” Dr. Ayine said during an interview on Starr Chat with Bola Ray on Thursday, January 15, 2026.

While acknowledging the significance of the appointment, Dr. Ayine noted that the decision did not come as a surprise to him, stressing that his career trajectory had steadily prepared him for the office.

He pointed to his previous service as Deputy Attorney General from 2013 to 2016 as a defining period that exposed him to the full scope of the job.

He recalled working closely with then Attorney General Marietta Brew Appiah-Oppong, describing the experience as one that allowed him to grow professionally and demonstrate leadership within the Ministry of Justice.

“She gave me a lot of room to operate, so I kind of showcased what I was made of,” he said.

Dr. Ayine explained that his preparation did not end with the National Democratic Congress’ loss in the 2016 general elections.

Instead, he remained deeply involved in the party’s legal strategy and parliamentary work throughout its time in opposition.

According to him, from 2017 until the party’s return to power, he played a central advisory role, providing legal direction to both the party leadership and its Members of Parliament.

“From 2017 until we won the election, I was more or less advising the party in Parliament and the party itself on legal matters,” he stated.

He emphasized that this sustained engagement sharpened his understanding of constitutional governance, legislative processes and state accountability, all of which are critical to the Attorney General’s mandate.

Dr. Ayine rejected any suggestion that his elevation was abrupt or politically convenient, insisting it was the result of long-term, deliberate preparation.

“I had prepared myself for it,” he said, underscoring that his combined experience in academia, Parliament and government had positioned him well for the responsibilities ahead.

The Attorney General said he remains conscious of public expectations and is determined to discharge his duties with professionalism, integrity and respect for the rule of law, as he takes on the most powerful legal office in the country.