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Explosive Showdown: Ofori-Atta's Prosecution Sparks Fury

Published 4 days ago3 minute read
Pelumi Ilesanmi
Pelumi Ilesanmi
Explosive Showdown: Ofori-Atta's Prosecution Sparks Fury

Frank Davies, the lawyer representing former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, has vehemently criticized the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) for what he describes as a "needless public spectacle." His comments come after the OSP announced its intention to charge his client, along with several other former government officials, by the end of November 2025.

Speaking on Joy FM’s Top Story on Thursday, October 30, Mr. Davies questioned the OSP's motive for organizing a press conference to publicize the impending charges. He argued that if the OSP already intends to prosecute, its proper course of action should be to proceed directly to court. "The style the OSP and Attorney-General have adopted, organising pressers to condemn accused persons in the court of public opinion. A trained lawyer’s place is in the courtroom, not standing behind microphones and spewing long and unnecessary English," Davies stated. He further fumed, "I mean, even as of now, he [Special Prosecutor] says he is going to charge him [Ofori-Atta] in November. So, why come and waste everybody's time with this presser? Why come and waste everybody's time? Is it the first time this OSP is mounting speakers and talking?"

Photo credit: Google Image

Mr. Davies underscored a foundational principle of Ghana’s criminal jurisprudence, emphasizing that every accused person is presumed innocent until proven guilty, with the burden of proof resting entirely on the prosecution. He contended that such public narrations amount to a "conviction in itself" and urged the Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng, to "go ahead and stop this gimmicking" if he plans to file charges. Davies also alluded to past public statements by the OSP regarding Ofori-Atta, describing them as "amateurish and childish fights."

The OSP's announcement, made at a press briefing on Thursday, October 30, detailed plans to pursue corruption and corruption-related charges against Mr. Ofori-Atta and others. Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng revealed that a comprehensive investigation had uncovered serious financial irregularities involving top officials from the Ministry of Finance, the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), and individuals associated with Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML).

In addition to Ken Ofori-Atta, those expected to face charges include: Ernest Akore, former Chef de Cabinet to the Finance Minister; Emmanuel Kofi Nti, former Commissioner-General of the GRA; Rev. Ammishaddai Owusu-Amoah, also a former Commissioner-General of the GRA; Isaac Crentsil, former Customs Commissioner and General Manager at SML; and Kwadwo Damoah, former Customs Commissioner and current MP for Jaman South.

Despite the OSP's announcement, Mr. Davies asserted that Ken Ofori-Atta is not intimidated by the prospect of prosecution and remains ready to respond to any charges in court. "Let me tell you, Kenneth Nana Yaw Kuntunkununku Ofori-Atta is not afraid of prosecution. Let the car roll for the OSP; the accused person will have his vehicle. So let’s stop this theatrics," he declared. Davies implored the Special Prosecutor to focus on restoring credibility to his office rather than engaging in what he termed "media performances."

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