Attorney-General Drops Case Against Kwabena Duffuor
The Attorney-General’s Department has formally entered a nolle prosequi in the case against former Finance Minister Dr. Kwabena Duffuor and seven others, citing the successful recovery of a significant portion of funds lost to the state.
In a press release signed by Deputy Attorney-General Dr. Justice Srem-Sai, the decision was described as a pragmatic move aimed at protecting national resources and serving the greater public interest. The case was part of a broader effort to clean up Ghana’s financial sector, a campaign that began in 2018 to ensure accountability and recover state funds lost through alleged financial mismanagement.
According to the Attorney-General’s Office, a key condition for reconsidering prosecution in these cases was the recovery of at least 60 percent of the alleged financial losses. After extended negotiations with the accused persons and relevant state agencies, this threshold was met.
“Continuing with prosecution will not serve any additional public purpose,” the statement noted, emphasizing that the discontinuation of the case does not imply that the accused have been cleared of wrongdoing. Instead, the decision prioritizes the national interest in resource recovery and efficient use of state funds.
The Attorney-General stressed that the overarching objective of the financial sector prosecutions has always been to safeguard the public purse and ensure justice for the people of Ghana. “This does not mark the end of our commitment to pursuing accountability,” the statement read. “Our office remains resolute in protecting the rule of law and recovering public resources.”
The case against Dr. Duffuor and others was one of several high-profile prosecutions initiated in the aftermath of the banking sector crisis, which saw several financial institutions collapse due to insolvency and alleged mismanagement. The clean-up, which cost the state billions of cedis, led to a series of legal actions aimed at holding individuals accountable and recouping public funds.
Legal experts say the Attorney-General’s decision underscores the balancing act between securing justice and ensuring that taxpayers’ money is put to the most productive use. For the affected individuals, the move brings to a close a protracted legal battle, while for the state, it represents a recovery of significant resources that can now be redirected into priority development projects.
The Attorney-General concluded by reaffirming his office’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and the protection of the public purse in all ongoing and future prosecutions.
