Dr Arthur Kennedy, a medical doctor and political activist, has said that the corruption case involving former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta “is not a lost cause.”
He made the comments on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, November 22, while reflecting on the latest developments surrounding the high-profile matter.
“The idea that it is a lost cause, it is not a lost cause,” he said.
“Even if he is not in Ghana, there can be a trial; he has lawyers who can defend him, there can be a verdict of guilty or innocent, and even if he doesn’t spend a day in jail, the fact that he finds it necessary to avoid going back home, there is also shame, and hopefully it has a deterring effect, so it is not completely a lost cause,” he added.
The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has announced that Ofori-Atta and seven other individuals will be arraigned on 24th November to face a 78-count indictment.
The charges cover alleged large-scale corruption, procurement breaches, and collusion involving senior public officials and Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML).
According to the OSP, the alleged scheme resulted in more than GHS 1.4 billion in public funds being improperly paid out through contracts that did not meet statutory procurement standards.
The prosecution claims that SML was placed on an “automatic payment mode,” enabling significant disbursements to be made without validation of services rendered.
Those expected in court alongside the former minister include former senior officials of the Ghana Revenue Authority, Emmanuel Kofi Nti, Rev. Ammishaddai Owusu-Amoah, Isaac Crentsil, and Kwadwo Damoah, former Chef de Cabinet Ernest Darko Akore, as well as SML’s Chief Executive, Evans Adusei, and the company itself.
Ofori-Atta’s defence team maintains that he has not yet been formally served with the charge sheet. His lawyer, Frank Davies, has stressed that due process requires the OSP to issue a proper criminal summons with formal notification of the trial date.
He also argued that proving 78 separate charges beyond a reasonable doubt will present a considerable hurdle for the prosecution.
The case has been further complicated by Ofori-Atta’s current absence from the country, following earlier communication citing medical reasons.
The OSP has indicated it is seeking legal authorisation to serve him and certain other defendants who are outside the jurisdiction.
Dr Kennedy, however, noted that, despite the complexities, the matter represents an important test of institutional resolve and the broader national commitment to accountability.
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