Tampuli condemns AG’s withdrawal of Duffuor case, calls it ‘Operation Clear All Loot’

Deputy Ranking Member on Parliament’s Constitutional and Legal Affairs Committee, Alhassan Sulemana Tampuli, has criticised the Attorney-General’s decision to discontinue the criminal trial of former Finance Minister Dr. Kwabena Duffuor and seven others.

Describing the move as deeply troubling, Tampuli warned that the decision could undermine public trust in Ghana’s justice system and set a dangerous precedent for political interference in legal processes.

His comments follow the Deputy Attorney-General, Dr. Justice Srem-Sai’s announcement that the state had filed a nolle prosequi to formally end the high-profile case related to the collapse of uniBank during the 2018 banking sector clean-up.

According to the Attorney-General’s office, the decision was based on a reported 60% recovery of funds and assets from the accused, rendering further prosecution unnecessary in the public interest.

However, Tampuli, who also serves as the NPP MP for Gushegu, strongly disagreed, arguing that the move undermines accountability for financial crimes involving public institutions.

“We find this very worrying, especially considering the earlier initiative dubbed Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL). What we’re witnessing now looks more like ‘Operation Clear All Loot,’” he said in an interview with Citi FM on Tuesday, July 22.

He further cautioned against the politicisation of justice, stressing that the discontinuation of such cases following a change in government could damage the integrity and independence of the Attorney-General’s office.

“It is concerning that once a new government takes office, the Attorney-General’s first line of action appears to be clearing former appointees facing prosecution. This erodes public confidence in the justice system,” Tampuli added.