The Attorney-General has officially discontinued the criminal case against Dr. Kwabena Duffour and seven others, bringing an end to a high-profile financial crimes trial that stemmed from Ghana’s financial sector clean-up exercise.

In a statement issued Tuesday, the Office of the Attorney-General confirmed it had entered a nolle prosequi in the case titled The Republic v. Kwabena Duffour & 7 Others (CR/0248/2020), effectively withdrawing all charges against the accused persons.

Though not legally required to explain the decision, the Attorney-General’s office cited accountability and transparency as reasons for disclosing the rationale behind the move.

According to the statement, the prosecution formed part of broader efforts since 2018 to ensure accountability and recover losses linked to the collapse of financial institutions.

The Attorney-General’s office had earlier set a benchmark of 60% recovery of alleged losses as the basis for reconsidering prosecutions.

“Following prolonged negotiations and engagements, the accused persons… have met this recovery threshold,” the statement explained.

“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 release stressed, however, that the decision does not amount to an exoneration.

“This does not imply an absence of wrongdoing nor a vindication of any conduct.

It is a pragmatic step in line with the overarching national interest of recovering State resources.”

Deputy Attorney-General Hon. Dr. Justice Seem-Sai, who signed the statement, reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to protecting the public purse and ensuring justice in all matters of national importance.