Frank Davies, the lawyer of former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, says he is not surprised by the 78-count case filed by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) against his client.

Speaking on JoyNews’ Top Story on Tuesday, November 18, Frank Davies said, “I long expected it, so it doesn’t come as any huge surprise to me. But when I did the tabulation, it was about 78 counts, and I said, 'Wow, the OSP has a long hurdle to climb.'”

He explained why the sheer number of counts makes the case exceptionally challenging.

“I have seen it on social media, as you have also seen on social media. You have to prove every single count beyond all reasonable doubt. You can’t lump them together.”

Mr. Davies added, “So that is why I am saying he would have to prove 78 counts. And it is a hurdle—or it’s not a hurdle to you? 78 is long, ooo.”

Background

The Office of the Special Prosecutor officially charged former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, Strategic Mobilisation Limited (SML), and six others for corruption and corruption-related offences.

In all, there are 78 counts of corruption and corruption-related offences.

The other accused are Ernest Darko Akore, aged 67, Chef de Cabinet to the Minister of Finance; Emmanuel Kofi Nti (66), former Commissioner-General of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA); and Ammishaddai Owusu-Amoah (64), former Commissioner-General of GRA.

The rest are Isaac Crentsil (63), former Commissioner of the Customs Division of GRA; Kwadwo Damoah (65), former Commissioner of the Customs Division of GRA; Evans Adusei (62), beneficial owner, CEO, and controlling mind of the accused company; and the beneficiary company itself, Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Ltd (SML), formerly Strategic Mobilisation Enhancement Ltd.

READ ALSO: OSP formally charges Ofori-Atta, SML, and 6 others with 78 counts of corruption-related offences