Sammy Gyamfi, the National Democratic Congress’s (NDC) national communications officer, has received notice that the next NDC government will launch criminal investigations into a report on former Finance Ministry Secretary Chares Adu Boahen, with the goal of prosecuting anyone found guilty.
He called on all Ghanaians to seek a complete reversal of “this disappointing decision of the OSP” and to treat the OSP’s report with the disdain it deserves till then.
The OSP had ordered the investigation into him to be closed, claiming that even though his actions amounted to influence peddling or trading, which is strongly linked to corruption, there was no real criminal ban on his actions regarding which the OSP was mandated to take further action.
Based on that assessment, the Special Prosecutor orders the investigation into charges of corruption and offenses related to corruption against Charles Adu Boahen to be closed at this time. The claims are found in the investigative documentary Galamsey Economy, which was released by Tiger Eye P.I. If new information and the circumstances warrant it, the investigation may be reopened.
The majority of predicate actions of corruption and offenses related to corruption are not prohibited, which leads to the impunity of evil deeds and the deterioration of democratic principles. These factors create significant obstacles in the fight against corruption, particularly in the public sector. Accordingly, the OSP urges the enactment of a Corrupt Practices Act in order to fully formalize the outlawing of corruption in all its manifestations. Additionally, in a statement released on Monday, October 30, the OSP stated that it “joins the positively persistent calls of the pressure group, OccupyGhana, for the passage of a Conduct of Public Officers Act to properly regulate the conduct of public officers.”
Mr. Adu Boahen was fired by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo after he was shown in the documentary “Galamsey Economy,” which was put together by investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas.
“With immediate effect, Mr. Charles Adu Boahen’s appointment as Minister of State at the Ministry of Finance has been terminated by President of the Republic Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
“The President met with Mr. Adu Boahen following his awareness of the accusations made against the Minister in the exposé ‘Galamsey Economy,’ following which he decided to rescind the Minister’s appointment and forward the case to the Special Prosecutor for additional inquiries.
“On Monday, November 14, 2022, the President thanked Mr. Adu Boahen for his strong services to his government since his appointment in 2017 and wished him well in his future endeavors,” according to a statement released by Mr. Eugene Arhin, Director of Communications at the Presidency.
“The NDC has noted with disgust the report of the Office of Special Prosecutor (OSP) on investigations into alleged commission of corruption and corruption-related offenses involving former Deputy Finance Minister, Charles Adu Boahen,” stated Sammy Gyamfi in a statement on Tuesday, October 31 in response to the OSP’s report. The OSP’s conclusion, found in paragraph 7.1 of the aforementioned report, that “there is no actual criminal prohibition of his acts in respect of which the OSP has a mandate to further act, is totally flawed and misconceived, even though the conduct of Mr. Adu Boahen amounts to trading in influence or influence peddling, which is closely associated with corruption.”
“It is totally unacceptable for the OSP to have concluded that Charles Adu is not guilty of a crime after forensic verification of the audio-visual recording presented by Tiger Eye P.I. as a true reflection of the events represented thereon and conclusive evidence that Charles Adu Boahen did, in fact, demand a bribe of 20% of the value of the initial investment or an upfront payment of 10% of the proposed investment and a post-investment sharing of the proceeds of same from undercover agents of Tiger Eye P.I. who were posing as businessmen interested in making an investment in Ghana.
To be clear, Charles Adu Boahen’s actions as shown in the Tiger Eye P.I. documentary “Galamsey Economy” undoubtedly constitute the crime of extortion as defined by section 247 of the Criminal and Other Offenses Act, 1960 (ACT 29), as amended, which states: “Explanation as to Extortion.” A public official is guilty of extortion if, while acting in the course of their official duties, they demand or obtain money or valuable consideration from someone for their own benefit, the benefit of the public, or for any other person. They also commit this crime if they do so under false pretenses or at an inappropriate time.
“If not reviewed right away, the report smells like a cover-up and could erode public trust in the Office of Special Prosecutor.” Charles Adu Boahen’s actions amount to massive corruption, and they should not be tolerated.
“We would like to give notice that criminal investigations into this matter will be launched by the next NDC government, with the goal of prosecuting all those found guilty.” In the interim, we implore the people of Ghana to view this report with the disdain it merits and call for the complete reversal of this regrettable OSP ruling.
Source | Ghana360news.com
