Audio By Carbonatix
Lawyer for former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta has stated that his client has not been notified of a scheduled court appearance in the case brought against him by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP).
Speaking in an interview on Joy FM's Midday News on Thursday, November 20, Frank Davies insists that his client has to be served with the charges.
“What I can say on authority is that my client, Kenneth Ofori-Atta, has not been formally notified or served with any filed charges. He has to be formally served by the Office of the Special Prosecutor. It is a criminal summons — it has to be served on him. He has to be notified, including notification of the trial date. Nothing of that sort has been done," he stated.
He added that if the OSP had indeed served the necessary documents, Mr. Ofori-Atta would have immediately informed him.
When asked if the former minister was prepared to face the OSP when duly served, Mr. Davies affirmed that his client is ready to submit himself to the legal process.
“If allegations are raised against you, you are not a demi-god. You are subject to proof in court. So yes, if he is notified, we know what to do as lawyers, and he knows what to do as a responsible citizen of this country. He has not ceased to be a responsible citizen. Once upon a time, he was the Minister for Finance,” he said.
This development comes after the OSP announced its readiness to arraign eight accused persons, including Mr. Ofori-Atta, before the court on Monday, November 24.
The prosecution also indicated that it would seek the necessary court orders to serve the charge sheets on fugitives currently outside the jurisdiction.
The move follows the filing of 78 counts against them, ranging from alleged multiple procurement breaches to causing financial loss to the state and using public office for profit.
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