The decision by Ghana’s Attorney-General to discontinue the high-profile criminal prosecution of former Finance Minister Dr. Kwabena Duffuor and seven others has sparked public debate, with IMANI Africa President Franklin Cudjoe openly questioning the rationale behind the move.
In a statement posted on social media, Cudjoe expressed frustration over the partial recovery of funds and the lack of clear plans to retrieve the remainder.
“Nolle prose nuka? So the AG says Dufuor and co agree they wronged & owe the state billions but the state has retrieved 60% of the debt so no more prosecution. Fine, when are we getting the 40%??” he asked.
The Attorney-General’s Department, in a press release dated Tuesday, July 22, 2025, announced that it had entered a nolle prosequi—a formal notice to drop legal proceedings—against Dr. Duffuor and the other accused individuals.
Signed by Deputy Attorney-General Hon. Dr. Justice Srem-Sai, the statement clarified that the decision was based on a major recovery milestone.
“This is a pragmatic step in line with the overarching national interest of recovering State resources,” the AG’s office stated. “Continuing with the prosecution will not serve any additional public purpose.”
According to the Department, at least 60% of the alleged financial losses have been successfully recovered by the State, following engagements with the accused.
However, the AG’s office was quick to stress that the decision to discontinue prosecution does not amount to an acquittal.
“This decision does not imply an absence of wrongdoing nor a vindication of any conduct,” the statement emphasized.
While the use of nolle prosequi under Ghanaian law does not require justification, the AG explained that the public disclosure was made “in the interest of transparency and accountability.”
Despite the legal closure, public figures like Franklin Cudjoe insist that unanswered questions remain—particularly about the outstanding 40% of the alleged debt.
