Amidu Condemns Discontinuation of Duffuor Case as “Governance of Family, Friends and Cronies
Former Attorney-General and Special Prosecutor Martin Amidu has strongly criticised the Mahama administration’s decision to file a nolle prosequi in the case of Republic v. Kwabena Duffuor & 7 Others, labelling it a textbook example of nepotistic governance.
Amidu asserted that the decision to abort the trial “stinks of high corruption” and reflects a system of governance dominated by family, friends, and cronies . He cautioned that the government’s reasoning—rooted in prosecutorial discretion—masks deeper issues of unchecked power and systemic bias .
Highlighting concerns over conflict of interest, Amidu emphasised that Attorney‑General Dominic Ayine previously served as legal counsel for both Duffuor and HODA Holdings. That prior relationship, he argued, should have disqualified Ayine from overseeing the case or at minimum been disclosed to the public .
Additionally, Amidu lambasted the government for bypassing the legal framework outlined in Ghana’s Criminal and Other Offences (Procedure) (Amendment) Act, 2022. Instead of seeking judicial oversight, the agreement stipulated a 60% recovery of alleged losses as sufficient grounds to discontinue prosecution—a threshold he maintains is arbitrary and improperly enforced .
In an opinion piece published on his website, Amidu harshly criticised the decision:
“The government’s decision … smacks of a text book example of governance of family, friends and cronies that also smells of high corruption” .
He further questioned the legitimacy of recovery agreements in the absence of any admission of guilt, saying:
“What is the need of The Republic Of Ghana extorting moneys … if they do not admit any guilt?” .
Amidu called on the public to resist what he considers psychological media manipulation dressed as transparency. He urged patriotic citizens to “step forward and speak truth to the Government” to protect Ghana’s democratic integrity .
Case Background
The case in question stemmed from financial misconduct allegations connected to the collapse of uniBank. Launched in 2020, the prosecution targeted Dr. Kwabena Duffuor, former Finance Minister, Bank of Ghana Governor Johnson Asiama, and others. On July 22, 2025, the Attorney‑General’s Office officially discontinued the case after securing a financial recovery agreement reportedly meeting a 60% threshold of state losses .
Implications and Reaction
Amidu’s critique has intensified scrutiny of the administration’s approach to financial-sector reform and asset recovery. His allegations of cronyism and abuse of prosecutorial discretion will likely fuel broader debates over accountability, judicial independence, and political influence in public prosecutions.
As the controversy unfolds, stakeholders—including civil society, opposition parties, and legal watchdogs—are expected to demand explanations, transparency on professional disclosures by public officers, and potential legislative review of plea-bargaining procedures in asset recovery cases.
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Grace Tsotsoo Quaye, The Ghana Report, contributed press coverage.