Freed National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament (MP) for Keta, Mr Dan Abodakpi, returned to Parliament Tuesday, June 10, 2008. Mr. Abodakpi was released from jail following a presidential pardon granted him by President J. A. Kufuor on Saturday May 24, 2008. The MP went to prison after he was tried and found guilty together with the Late Victor Selormey, a former Deputy Finance Minister in the NDC government. Mr. Abodakpi was a Minster of Trade and Industry at the time. The two were convicted for willfully causing financial loss of $400,000 to the State. Mr. Selormey, however died after he was also granted Presidential pardon and released from prison on health grounds. Mr. Abodakpi’s entry into the House even though was uneventful, he appeared elated to be back in he Chambers of the august House. Some of his colleagues hugged and shook his hands as he made his way and took his seat. Speaking to the media, he expressed the hope that his experiences would unite politicians from the two sides because of their shared humanity. Mr. Abodakpi also thanked President Kufuor for his magnanimity. He however, said there was nothing wrong with the law under which he was jailed, but what he thought was wrong with the law on causing financial loss to the state was how the law was applied. He also reiterated his eagerness to go to the Court of Appeal to seek a remission of the remainder of his sentence. He insisted on his innocence and said he believes the justice system will give him justice. Mr. Abodakpi also promised to make a statement on the floor of the House on the state of Ghana’s prisons, at the appropriate time. By Emmanuel. K. Dogbevi