The brother-in-law of the former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Public Procurement Authority (PPA) has been discharged by the High Court in Accra.
This was after the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) dropped the charge of misusing public office for personal profit against Francis Kwaku Arhin.
The former PPA boss Adjenim Boateng Adjei who was also on some 17 counts of charges has also been discharged in that case.
Unlike Francis Kwaku Arhin who walks home free, AB Adjei would be facing fresh charges later in the day.
In Court on Monday, April 22, Adelaide Obiri Wood, a Principal Prosecutor from the OSP said they do not intend to proceed with the case against the second accused after further investigations.
“As a result of further investigations Prosecution does not intend to proceed against the second accused Francis Kwaku Arhin.
“We have since filed a fresh charge sheet with only the first accused (Adjenim Boateng Adjei) a copy of which was brought to your attention at the last sitting (Thursday).
“Respectfully, under the circumstances and the reasons given, we humbly pray to withdraw this present case before this honorable court to enable us to commence with the new case,” the Principal Prosecutor prayed to the Court.
Kwame Acheampong Boateng, Counsel for the former PPA boss expressed disappointment at the last turn of events having started the trial nearly two years ago.
The Court presided over by Justice Mary Yanzuh after listening to the parties struck out the case as withdrawn and discharged the accused persons.
EIB Network’s Legal Affairs Correspondent Murtala Inusah, is reporting that the instant case has been truncated after a year and 11 months since it was filed on May 18, 2022.
The OSP commenced the action following an investigation piece conducted by Investigative Journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni titled ‘Contract for Sale.’
Meanwhile, Mr. Adjenim Boateng Adjei is expected to answer the fresh charges against him by the OSP later before the Criminal Court 2.