John Darko denies involvement in GH¢27m SIC loss probe
Suame Member of Parliament John Darko has denied any involvement in a post-judgment settlement between SIC Savings and Loans Company Limited and Equity Savings and Loans Limited, which is alleged to have caused financial losses to SIC.
The denial follows his appearance before the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) on Tuesday, October 13, to assist with ongoing investigations into the case.
In a statement dated Wednesday, October 14, his lawyers, Darko, Keli-Delataa & Co, said the interrogation focused on his work as legal counsel for Equity during its dispute with SIC over a matured but unpaid investment, as well as his membership on Equity’s board from 2015 to 2023.
According to the law firm, Mr Darko told investigators that his legal role was restricted to the litigation and the recovery of part of the judgment awards in SIC’s favour. It stressed that he had no further involvement in any subsequent settlement between the two companies.
The lawyers also stated that their firm had no knowledge of Equity’s decision to sell land under judicial attachment to a third party, Eco Swiss Investment Limited. They added that the firm had ended its legal services to Equity over unpaid fees before the post-judgment developments took place.
“Our client had ceased to be a board member of Equity by September 2023 and was certainly not a participant in any decision to compromise a court judgment in a conspiratorial scheme to deny SIC the benefits of its judicial awards,” the statement said.
The clarification comes as EOCO investigates an alleged criminal conspiracy involving SIC Savings and Loans. The case centres on a settlement reached in July 2024 among SIC, Equity and Eco Swiss Investment Limited, under which SIC agreed to accept GH¢5 million as full and final payment of a revised judgment debt of GH¢14.85 million.
EOCO has estimated the financial loss allegedly resulting from the suspected conspiracy at approximately GH¢27 million.
The investigation has also involved Manhyia South MP Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, who has been charged with conspiracy to commit a crime, intentionally causing financial loss to a public body and money laundering.
Mr Darko’s lawyers said their client remained committed to the investigation and was willing to provide any additional assistance required by EOCO. They also praised the investigators for their professionalism and the courtesies extended to him during the interrogation.
The firm maintained that Mr Darko and his legal practice had conducted themselves ethically and professionally throughout their engagement with Equity, emphasising that their actions had consistently been guided by the principles of professional responsibility.
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