By: Akua Oteng Amponsah
The Attorney-General’s office has discontinued the high-profile case involving former Finance Minister Dr Kwabena Duffuor and seven others, who were facing charges related to the collapse of uniBank.
The decision, announced by Deputy Attorney-General Dr Justice Srem-Sai, was made after the accused persons met the recovery threshold of 60% of the alleged losses.
“Following prolonged negotiations and engagements, the accused persons in The Republic v Kwabena Duffuor & 7 Others case have met this recovery threshold,” the statement read.
“Accordingly, in furtherance of public interest, and considering the significant recoveries made for the State, the Honourable Attorney-General has satisfied himself that continuing with the prosecution will not serve any additional public purpose.”
The case, which was a key part of the broader financial sector clean-up exercise initiated by the State in 2018, was formally discontinued through a nolle prosequi.
A nolle prosequi is a legal term where the prosecution declares that it is unwilling to pursue a criminal case. While it results in the discharge of the accused, it does not amount to an acquittal and leaves open the possibility of future re-prosecution should new evidence emerge or circumstances change.
The Attorney-General’s office emphasized its commitment to accountability and transparency in providing the rationale behind this significant decision.
The decision to discontinue the case is “a pragmatic step in line with the overarching national interest of recovering State resources,” according to the Attorney-General’s office.
Dr Duffuor, who founded uniBank and previously served as Finance Minister and Governor of the Bank of Ghana, was among those charged in February 2020 with various offenses, including theft and money laundering.
The charges alleged that Dr Duffuor received GHS 663.3 million “knowing it had been obtained by means of a criminal offense.”
uniBank was declared insolvent in August 2018 by the Bank of Ghana, which cited that shareholders and related parties had taken GHS 5.3 billion in loans and withdrawals without following due process.
The Attorney-General reiterated his commitment to upholding the rule of law, protecting the public purse, and pursuing justice in all matters of national importance.
