The five accused persons standing trial in the controversial GH¢1.4 billion SML–GRA revenue assurance deal have pleaded not guilty to multiple corruption and procurement-related charges at the Criminal Division of the High Court in Accra.
The Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng, has brought charges including using public office for profit, manipulating procurement processes for unfair advantage, willful oppression, and causing financial loss to the state. The case continues to attract national attention due to the magnitude of the alleged financial impropriety and the high-profile individuals involved.
Court Session Sparks Constitutional Debate
The proceedings opened with a heated argument spearheaded by the legal team of former GRA Commissioner Kwadwo Damoah, who challenged the legitimacy of the service of hearing notices.
According to the defense, the notification method violated Article 117 of the 1992 Constitution and ignored established protocols between Parliament and the Judiciary.
However, the Special Prosecutor countered that Damoah’s bail conditions explicitly empower the OSP to summon him anytime, adding that the service of notice fell squarely within this authority.
OSP Begins Extradition Processes for Ken Ofori-Atta
In a major development, the Special Prosecutor disclosed to the court that formal processes had begun for the extradition of former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta and his former Chef de Cabinet, Ernest Darko Akore.
Mr. Agyebeng revealed that the procedure, initiated on November 19, seeks the cooperation of U.S. authorities to apprehend and repatriate the two individuals, who are believed to be residing in the United States.
He therefore prayed the court to issue summons enabling the OSP to officially serve the charges on both accused persons abroad.
Bail Terms and Next Steps
Aside from Ofori-Atta, Akore, and Damoah, the remaining accused individuals were each granted GH¢50 million bail with two sureties, both of which must be justified.
The case has been adjourned to December 17, when the court is expected to take the plea of Kwadwo Damoah, following resolution of the constitutional complaint raised by his lawyers.
With extradition proceedings now underway and legal arguments intensifying, the SML–GRA scandal is poised to become one of Ghana’s most closely watched corruption trials in recent years.
