Gov’t Drops Charges Against Dr. Kwabena Duffour After Recovering State Funds

Gov’t Drops Charges Against Dr. Kwabena Duffour After Recovering State Funds

The Attorney-General’s Office has formally discontinued the criminal case against former Finance Minister Dr. Kwabena Duffour and seven others who were being prosecuted over alleged financial mismanagement during the 2018 banking sector clean-up.

This major decision, announced in a press release dated July 22, 2025, was made after the accused refunded over 60% of the money the State claims was lost as a result of their actions. According to Deputy Attorney-General Dr. Justice Srem-Sai, the move is a strategic one that prioritizes public interest and resource recovery.

“Though the charges have been dropped, it doesn’t mean there was no wrongdoing. But continuing the trial would no longer serve the public’s interest,” the statement noted.

The release further emphasized that the dismissal of charges does not absolve the accused of blame but is seen as a pragmatic decision to shift focus toward national development and effective resource utilization.

Dr. Duffour’s case was one of several high profile prosecutions initiated following the government’s 2018 financial sector reforms, which led to the closure and consolidation of several banks and financial institutions.

The government, while dropping the charges, reaffirmed its stance on good governance.

“We remain committed to fighting corruption and protecting the public purse,” the statement added.