SML Scandal: Ex-GRA Chiefs, SML Boss Enter Not Guilty Pleas
Former Finance Minister Kenneth Nana Yaw Ofori-Atta, Ernest Darko Akore (Chef de Cabinet to the former minister), and Kwadwo Damoah, MP for Jaman South, were absent from court and therefore did not enter pleas.
Collectively, the accused persons face 78 counts relating to corruption and abuse of public office.
Those who pleaded not guilty:
- Emmanuel Kofi Nti, former Commissioner-General of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) – 39 counts.
- Isaac Crentsil, former Commissioner of the Customs Division of GRA – 19 counts.
- Evans Adusei, CEO of Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML) – 19 counts personally and 18 counts on behalf of the company.
- Ammishaddai Owusu-Amoah, former Commissioner-General of GRA – 10 counts.
Those absent:
- Kenneth Nana Yaw Ofori-Atta – 28 counts.
- Ernest Darko Akore – 12 counts, with extradition proceedings initiated.
- Kwadwo Damoah, MP for Jaman South – 8 counts. His lawyers explained his absence was due to procedural issues regarding the service of Members of Parliament.
The court has adjourned the case to December 17, when Damoah’s plea is expected to be taken.
---CitiNewsRoom