The Office of the Attorney-General has discontinued criminal proceedings against former Finance Minister Kwabena Duffuor and seven others, citing the recovery of 60% of state losses in a high-profile financial sector case.
The decision, announced on July 22, 2025, halts the prosecution tied to Ghana’s 2018 banking sector cleanup.
In a public statement, Attorney-General Dominic Akuritinga Ayine described the move as a “pragmatic step” following successful negotiations to recover public funds. The case stemmed from allegations of financial mismanagement during Duffuor’s tenure as owner of defunct uniBank, one of several institutions affected by the banking sector reforms.
The Attorney-General’s office revealed it has established a policy threshold requiring at least 60% recovery of state losses before reconsidering prosecutions. “This decision reflects our commitment to both accountability and practical solutions for the national interest,” the statement read, while emphasizing it does not imply exoneration of the accused.
The banking sector cleanup, initiated under former President Nana Akufo-Addo’s administration, consolidated or closed over 20 financial institutions. The Mahama government, which returned to power in 2024, has maintained the recovery efforts while facing criticism about the pace of prosecutions.
Legal analysts note the decision highlights Ghana’s evolving approach to white-collar financial cases, balancing judicial consequences with economic recovery. The Attorney-General stressed that prosecutorial discretion requires no legal justification but provided the explanation “in the spirit of transparency.”
Find the statement below
