Victor Selormey, ex-Deputy Finance Minister under Rawlings, was recently mentioned in relation to Ken Ofori-Atta’s corruption investigations. Selormey was imprisoned for financial impropriety, and his family claims his case was politically motivated. His declining health during incarceration raises concerns about the treatment of prisoners, echoing current issues surrounding Ofori-Atta’s apprehension under similar circumstances.
Victor Selormey, the former Deputy Minister of Finance under Jerry John Rawlings, has been recalled in light of accusations against ex-Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, declared a wanted fugitive by the Office of the Special Prosecutor. Selormey, convicted in 2001 for financial corruption, served eight years in prison after being found guilty of defrauding the state, a conviction that remains contentious. Advocates for accountability view Selormey’s case as a reminder of public officers’ need to manage resources wisely, while his family claims he was a victim of political persecution, which they say ultimately led to his death.
In a Facebook post, his relative Francis Yao Selormey recounted how Victor returned to Ghana from abroad, willingly seeking to clear his name while undergoing medical treatment. Upon arrival, Victor was arrested in a dramatic manner reminiscent of action films. “When the late Victor Selormey was accused of corruption while seeking medical attention abroad, he willingly returned to defend himself. He was arrested at the airport in a ‘Rambo’ style, detained, and eventually jailed, all for political vindictiveness,” Francis shared.
While incarcerated at Nsawam Prison, Victor Selormey suffered from serious health issues, including cardiac complications requiring a pacemaker, and an oxygen tank was employed for support. Francis revealed that despite the family’s urgings for Victor to seek adequate medical care abroad, he was only transferred to Korle Bu Teaching Hospital when his condition deteriorated further, leading to his eventual death. “This was a man who had a pacemaker and was suffering from cardiac issues. He was held in Nsawam with an oxygen tank. His family pleaded for him to receive medical attention abroad. It was only when his condition worsened that he was rushed to Korle Bu, where he later died. The family, including myself, endured a lot of stigmatization during this period,” he added.
The legal case against Selormey involved a controversial transaction from 1998, where 60% of GNPC’s share in LEEBDA Corporation was allegedly sold to Amromco Energy LLC for $20 million. The prosecution claimed LEEBDA did not exist at the time of sale, hence, attributing conspiracy charges against Selormey and others for defrauding the state. The defense countered that while LEEBDA existed, it had been dissolved prior to the transaction, and that Selormey was unaware of its status.
Moreover, the defense alleged that key evidence, including documents from Delaware indicating LEEBDA’s existence, was suppressed by the prosecution, casting doubt on Selormey’s culpability. This ongoing controversy emphasizes the need for transparency and accountability in judicial proceedings regarding public officials.
The discussion around Victor Selormey amplifies alongside the recent developments regarding Ken Ofori-Atta, who is implicated in multiple corruption investigations. Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng has stated Ofori-Atta is required to return to Ghana from abroad to face questioning. The Minority Leader, Afenyo-Markin, mentioned that Ofori-Atta is distressed by the situation but is reportedly willing to cooperate once the timing is right. Francis Selormey, however, noted that just as Ofori-Atta seeks medical attention, he too should be able to respond to inquiries while receiving adequate healthcare in Ghana. “Today, Ken Ofori-Atta is said to be traumatized and seeking medical attention so can’t avail himself. Well, thankfully UGMC and Agenda 111 can manage his health while he proves himself innocent,” he added.
Victor Selormey’s case highlights the complexities and controversies surrounding the prosecution of public officials in Ghana. His tragic health situation while imprisoned raises concerns about the treatment of inmates with medical needs. The parallels drawn with current events involving Ken Ofori-Atta serve to emphasize the ongoing issues related to accountability and political motivations in corruption cases. Greater transparency in the judicial process is essential for public trust.
Original Source: www.ghanaweb.com
