In a significant legal development, the Attorney-General has withdrawn all criminal charges against Samuel Ofosu Ampofo, former Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), and Anthony Kwaku Boahen, the party’s Communications Officer, in the controversial leaked tape case.
The decision, announced by Attorney-General Dominic Ayine, marks the end of a legal saga that began in December 2019. The case revolved around an audio recording purportedly capturing Ofosu Ampofo discussing strategies to undermine national security. The alleged tape suggested plans to orchestrate kidnappings, arson, and verbal assaults on prominent figures, including the Chairman of the National Peace Council, Prof. Emmanuel Asante, and the Electoral Commission Chairperson, Jean Mensa.
Both Ofosu Ampofo and Anthony Boahen were charged with conspiracy to cause harm. Ofosu Ampofo also faced two additional charges of assault against public officers. They both pleaded not guilty to the allegations. With the withdrawal of charges, the trial has officially been terminated, signaling a major victory for the NDC officials and their legal teams.
This development is seen by many as a potential turning point in Ghana’s political and legal landscape, particularly as the NDC continues to push back against what it perceives as politically motivated prosecutions under the current administration.
A-G Discontinues Case Against Ato Forson and Richard Jakpa in Ambulance Scandal
In a separate but equally high-profile case, the Attorney-General has discontinued legal proceedings against Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, former Majority Leader and current Finance Minister, and businessman Richard Jakpa. This case involved allegations of causing financial loss of €2.37 million to the state over a deal to procure ambulances for Ghana.
The decision follows a Court of Appeal ruling on July 30, 2024, which acquitted and discharged Dr. Ato Forson and Jakpa in a 2:1 majority decision. The appellate court overturned an earlier trial court directive that required the accused to open their defense.
The Attorney-General’s chambers issued a notice on January 23, 2025, declaring its intention to discontinue the case and abandon any further appeals. The notice explicitly stated: “The Republic abandons all further proceedings with respect to this matter as from the date of this notice.”
This decision has sparked discussions about the efficacy and impartiality of state prosecutions in politically sensitive cases, with many stakeholders questioning whether such cases are driven by genuine legal concerns or partisan agendas.
As Ghana approaches another election cycle, these developments are expected to shape public discourse and influence perceptions of justice and governance in the country.
Story by: Mercy Addai Turkson
