The Attorney General’s recent decision to discontinue several high-profile court cases has sparked a wave of mixed reactions across the political spectrum.
Critics argue that this move may be politically motivated and designed to shield key figures, while others see it as a much-needed step towards rectifying perceived injustices and restoring fairness to the legal system.
At a press conference, Dr Dominic Akuritinga Ayine, the Attorney General, defended the decision, asserting that many of these prosecutions were initiated during the previous administration and were defective, unfairly targeting members of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).
According to Dr Ayine, halting these cases is essential to correcting past wrongs and preventing the judiciary from being used as a tool for political persecution.
However, opponents of the decision contend that the legal process should be allowed to run its course, ensuring that accused individuals have their day in court.
Private legal practitioner Martin Kpebu has urged the Attorney General to explain the state’s decision to discontinue some of these high-profile cases.
These differing views have intensified the debate over whether justice or political manoeuvring is at play.
Detailed breakdown of the cases.
1. Collins Dauda – Former Minister for Works and Housing
Charge: 70 counts of causing financial loss to the state in relation to the controversial $200 million Saglemi housing project.
The case revolved around alleged mismanagement and misuse of funds in this high-profile housing initiative.
The prosecution, under the Akufo-Addo-led administration, alleged that Collins Dauda, Kweku Agyeman-Mensah (former Minister for Water Resources, Works, and Housing), and Alhaji Ziblim Yakubu (former Chief Director of the Ministry for Water Resources, Works, and Housing) played key roles in the project’s planning and execution.
Additionally, Andrew Clocanas (now deceased) and Nouvi Tetteh Angelo were accused of financial irregularities linked to the project.
2. Dr Johnson Asiama – Former Second Deputy Governor of the Bank of Ghana
Charge: Facing charges alongside Dr Kwabena Duffuor over alleged dishonest spending of funds belonging to customers and investors of the defunct uniBank Ghana Limited.
The case was part of the government’s 2017–2018 banking sector clean-up, during which uniBank (founded by Dr Duffuor) and UT Bank (founded by Kofi Amoabeng) were declared insolvent and collapsed.
Dr Asiama was charged with:
-Breach of Section 46(h) of the Bank of Ghana Act, 2002 (Act 612).
-Breach of Section 46A of the Bank of Ghana (Amendment) Act, 2016 (Act 918).
-Causing financial loss to the state.
He pleaded not guilty to both counts and was granted bail by a High Court in Accra.
The prosecution had argued that, under Dr Asiama’s watch as Second Deputy Governor, the Bank of Ghana unlawfully disbursed over GH¢450 million to uniBank without following proper procedures.
Dr Asiama denied the allegations, insisting that he acted based on technical recommendations from the Banking Supervision Department.
3. Dr Ernest Thompson – Former Director-General of SSNIT
Charge: Financial impropriety and causing financial loss to the state in relation to the $66 million SSNIT Operational Business Suite (OBS) project.
Initially valued at $ 34 million, the contract allegedly escalated to $66 million due to additional payments authorised under Dr Thompson’s tenure.
The SSNIT OBS project was intended to modernise SSNIT operations through Information and Communications Technology (ICT).
4. Cassiel Ato Forson – Former Deputy Finance Minister & Businessman Richard Jakpa
Charge: Causing financial loss of €2.37 million to the state over the procurement of 30 defective ambulances for Ghana’s National Ambulance Service.
The case was initiated by the Attorney General’s office under the NPP government.
The Court of Appeal, in July 2024, acquitted and discharged Dr Ato Forson and Richard Jakpa, citing legal flaws in the prosecution’s case.
The Attorney General’s office under the Mahama administration has decided to withdraw its appeal, effectively ending the case.
5. Samuel Ofosu Ampofo – Former NDC Chairman & Communication Officer Anthony Kwaku Boahen
Charge: Allegedly conspiring to incite violence against political opponents and key public figures, based on a leaked audio recording.
The recording allegedly discussed kidnappings, arson, and attacks on public officials, including Prof. Emmanuel Asante (Chairman,
National Peace Council) and Jean Mensa (Chairperson, Electoral Commission)
Both men were charged with conspiracy to cause harm, but the case has now been dismissed.
6. Dr Stephen Kwabena Opuni – Former CEO of COCOBOD & Businessman Seidu Agongo
Charge: 27 counts including:
-Defrauding the state by false pretences
-Wilfully causing financial loss to the state
-Violating public procurement laws
Agongo, CEO of Agricult Ghana Limited, was accused of fraudulently selling substandard fertiliser to COCOBOD with Dr Opuni’s alleged facilitation.
The fertiliser was allegedly not properly tested, leading to poor yields for cocoa farmers.
The case began in March 2018, with the prosecution claiming that their actions caused a GH¢271.3 million loss to the state.
Both men pleaded not guilty and were granted GH¢300,000 bail each, with their passports confiscated.
The state has now withdrawn all charges, leading to their acquittal and discharge.
7. Oliver Barker-Vormawor – #FixTheCountry Activist
Charge:
-Conspiracy to commit an unlawful act
-Unlawful assembly
-Causing unlawful damage
-Offensive conduct likely to breach the peace
-Assault on a public officer
-Defacement of a public notice
Charges stemmed from his involvement in anti-government protests, where he allegedly incited unlawful actions.
8. Democracy Hub Anti-Galamsey Protesters
Charge: Arrested during anti-illegal mining (galamsey) protests, demanding stronger government action on environmental degradation.
53 protesters, including Oliver Barker-Vormawor and Ama Governor, were detained.
The Attorney General has discontinued the case, effectively ending legal proceedings against the protesters.
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