Minority caucus condemns discontinuation of several high-profile criminal cases

The Minority in Parliament has condemned the decision by the Attorney General, Dr Dominic Ayine to withdraw several high-profile criminal cases involving officials of the previous NDC government.

The minority at a news conference said the discontinuation of prosecutions involving seven pro-NDC persons is a subject that warrants thoughtful discussion, particularly in the context of governance, the rule of law, and the broader fight against corruption.

Addressing journalists in Parliament, MP for Suame, John Darko expressed strong disapproval of the Attorney General’s actions, calling them reprehensible and deserving of public condemnation.

“Ladies and gentlemen, in the republic versus Ato Forson and Richard Jakpa, the Attorney General withdrew to the Supreme Court against the split decision of the Court of Appeal acquitting the accused persons, which Ghanaians should take note of and condemn,” John Darko stated.

The Minority caucus further asserted, “The Attorney General shows the option of discontinuing the prosecution by exercising the option of withdrawal of the charges under Section 59(2)(b)(ii) of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 30).”

They accused the Attorney General of taking on the dual roles of prosecutor and judge by effectively ensuring the acquittal of prominent members of his own party.

The move was described as a “plain slap in the face” of Ghanaians, especially following the elevation of key public officials involved after the withdrawal of criminal cases.

The Minority also highlighted the shockingly swift developments following the withdrawal of charges against Dr Johnson Asiama, the former Deputy Governor of the Bank of Ghana, who faced serious charges including fraudulent breach of trust, money laundering, conspiracy to commit crime, and violations of the Bank of Ghana Act.

“And most shockingly, a day after the withdrawal of the charges against Dr Johnson Asiama, the man who had been accused of fraudulent breach of trust, money laundering, conspiracy to commit crime, and violations of the Bank of Ghana Act is now appointed the Governor of the Bank of Ghana,” he added.

The caucus raised concerns about the government’s attitude toward transparency and accountability, particularly within its first two months in office.

They warned that the lack of action regarding allegations of financial misconduct could set a dangerous precedent for the administration.

“We should all be concerned about the dangers ahead,” they said, emphasizing that the situation could have lasting implications for governance in the country.

They stressed the importance of swift action and a commitment to accountability, especially when public officials are implicated in financial crimes that impact the people.

“A situation where a government about a month old, or less than two months, shows a complete disregard or lack of interest in ensuring accountability of its leading members for the financial crimes against the people to which they are charged,” he concluded.

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