Renowned investigative journalist, Manasseh Azure Awuni has questioned A the rationale behind the decision to drop charges against former Minister of Works and Housing, Collins Dauda.
The Attorney General, Dr. Dominic Ayine, in his press conference justifying reasons for dropping the case against Former Minister for Works and Housing, Hon. Collins Dauda in the Saglemi Housing Project for causing financial loss to the state, “the charges were defective and upon careful scrutiny, were filed against the promptings of plain common sense”.
In a strongly worded statement responding to the Attorney General, Azure challenged the decision to exonerate Dauda, a key figure in the controversial Saglemi Housing Project. He argued that the reason will be subject to the common sense test. “So if one charge failed the common sense test, how about other charges and the rest accused? Why were the others not made to answer the other charges and tens of counts against them?”, he queried. He further asserted the reason is frivolous and the move defies logic and undermines the principles of accountability in governance.
The Saglemi Housing Project, a $200 million initiative launched during the Mahama administration, has been marred by allegations of financial impropriety. Collins Dauda and other officials were charged with willfully causing financial loss to the state in connection with the project, but the Attorney General recently announced the withdrawal of charges against him.
Azure further argued that dropping high-profile cases like this undermines public trust in the justice system and called all persons involved in the disburse of funds of the project to be made to answer for their roles. He also signaled it sends a dangerous message that public officials can act with impunity. “If we move on and allow the $200 million to go to waste without anybody answering for it what message are we sending to others who occupy public office?”. he remarked.