Frank Davies, lawyer for former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, says he is not surprised by the 78-count charge sheet filed by the Office of the Spe
Frank Davies, lawyer for former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, says he is not surprised by the 78-count charge sheet filed by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) against his client.
Speaking on JoyNews’ Top Story, he said he had long anticipated the action.
“I expected it, so it’s no huge surprise. But when I counted and saw 78 charges, I said, ‘Wow, the OSP has a long hurdle to climb,’” he noted.
Mr. Davies explained that the sheer volume of charges makes the prosecution’s task far more complex.
“I’ve seen the charge sheet on social media, just as you have. The OSP must prove every single count beyond reasonable doubt. You can’t lump them together,” he stressed.
He added, “That’s why I say they have to prove 78 individual counts. And that is a serious hurdle — or is it not? Seventy-eight is long, ooo.”
Background
The Office of the Special Prosecutor has formally charged former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, Strategic Mobilisation Limited (SML), and six others with corruption and corruption-related offenses.
In total, 78 counts have been filed.
The other accused persons include Ernest Darko Akore (67), Chef de Cabinet at the Finance Ministry; Emmanuel Kofi Nti (66), former Commissioner-General of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA); and Ammishaddai Owusu-Amoah (64), former Commissioner-General of GRA.
Also charged are Isaac Crentsil (63), former Commissioner of the Customs Division of GRA; Kwadwo Damoah (65), another former Commissioner of the Customs Division; Evans Adusei (62), CEO and beneficial owner of SML; along with the beneficiary company, Strategic Mobilization Ghana Ltd (formerly Strategic Mobilization Enhancement Ltd).