Accra: The Minority Caucus in Parliament has criticised the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government for withdrawing charges against some former officials, including Dr Cassiel Ato Baah Forson, Mr Samuel Ofosu-Ampofo, and Dr Johnson Asiamah.
According to Ghana News Agency, the criticism was voiced by Mr John Darko, a New Patriotic Party Member of Parliament for Suame, who addressed the Parliamentary Press Corps. He alleged that the Attorney-General, Dr Dominic Ayine, used his power under section 59(2)(b)ii of the Criminal and Other Offences (Procedure) Act, 1960, Act 30, to discontinue the prosecutions.
The cases involved various charges, including alleged fraudulent breach of trust, money laundering, conspiracy to commit crime, and violations of the Bank of Ghana (BoG) Act. Mr Darko noted that the trials had been ongoing for several years, with some at advanced stages.
The Minority Caucus argued that the withdrawal of charges was discriminatory and granted immunity from future prosecution to the accused individuals. Mr Darko highlighted the disparity in treatment, stating that ordinary Ghanaians facing similar charges had not received the same leniency.
He condemned the decision, describing it as an act of clearing and whitewashing individuals accused of significant financial crimes, orchestrated by the newly appointed NDC Attorney-General and the John Mahama Government. Mr Darko questioned the rationale behind withdrawing these specific cases and whether the Attorney-General believed there was no responsibility for the financial offences committed.
The Caucus expressed concerns about the implications for justice in Ghana, with fears that the country might be perceived as a 'banana republic.' Mr Darko urged Ghanaians facing criminal prosecution to seek equal treatment under the law, akin to the former NDC officials.
