The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has noted that it will take up another investigation into the alleged commission of corruption and corruption-related offenses involving former Deputy Finance Minister, Charles Adu Boahen, in Tiger Eye P.I.’s Galamsey Economy documentary.
The party’s decision to probe the matter comes after the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) directed the closure of investigation in respect of allegations of corruption and corruption-related offences involving Charles Adu Boahen.
Undercover agents of Tiger Eye P.I., posing as businessmen who were interested in investing in Ghana, met with Mr. Adu Boahen and tabled their investment plans and proposals to him.
It was reported that sensing an opportunity to cash-in on his position as a Deputy Minister of Finance, Mr. Adu Boahen demanded twenty per cent (20%) of the value of the proposed initial investment or ten per cent (10%) upfront payment of the value of the proposed initial investment and post-investment sharing of the proceeds of the investment.
In its findings, the OSP found out that Mr. Adu Boahen politely accepted the cash gift in order not to offend the sensibility of a potential wealthy investor looking to invest half a billion United States dollars in Ghana.
According to the OSP, the indices point to the conclusion that Mr. Adu Boahen’s principal motivation was his own personal gain though he intimated to the supposed sheikh that he was driven by the potential developmental benefits to Ghana of the proposed investment.
The actions of Mr. Adu Boahen tantamount to trading in influence or influence peddling, the OSP said. This is the practice of using one’s influence or connections in public office or with persons in public office to obtain favours or preferential treatment for oneself or for another person, usually in return for payment.
These acts have not been specifically prohibited in our jurisdiction as crimes per se, the OSP noted.
“Though the conduct of Mr. Adu Boahen amounts to trading in influence or influence peddling, which is closely associated with corruption, there is no actual criminal prohibition of his acts in respect of which the OSP has a mandate to further act,” the report added.
As such, the OSP has closed its investigation and may only be re-opened should the circumstances and further facts so dictate.
In response to the report, the opposition NDC noted that the conclusion drawn by the OSP is “totally flawed and misconceived.”
The party in a statement signed by Communications Officer, Sammy Gyamfi, explained that Mr Adu Boahen’s conduct amounts to the offense of extortion as provided under section 247 of the Criminal and Other Offenses Act, 1960 (ACT 29)
“Explanation as to Extortion. A public officer commits extortion who, under colour of office, demands or obtains from a person, whether for public purposes or for personal gain, or for any other person money or valuable consideration which the public officer knows is not lawfully authorised or at a time at which the public officer knows is not lawfully authorized to demand or to obtain that money or valuable consideration,” the statement read.
According to the NDC, the OSP’s report “smacks of a coverup” and has the potential to dampen public confidence in the Office of Special Prosecutor if not reviewed immediately.
“The conduct of Charles Adu Boahen constitutes corruption of monumental proportions and must not go unpunished,” the statement added.
As a result, the NDC says “its next government shall institute criminal investigations into this matter with the objective of prosecuting all those found culpable.”