However, after a trial spanning nearly three years, Justice Priscilla Dikro Ofori ruled that the evidence presented was insufficient to sustain a conviction.

In her judgement, she stated that the video did not conclusively prove that the monies were intended to influence the assembly members’ votes, and as such, acquitted and discharged the accused.

Dissatisfied with the verdict, the OSP announced in a public notice issued on 26 June that it had begun processes to appeal the ruling. According to the OSP, the judgement was flawed.

It wrote:

The OSP, disagreeing with the ruling, argues that the judgment is inconsistent with the weight of the evidence and that the trial judge erred on key legal and factual issues.

The statement added:

The OSP believes justice was not served and has taken steps to challenge the decision at the appellate level.

The appeal forms part of the OSP’s broader mission to combat corruption and promote accountability among public officials in Ghana.