The late Victor Selorney was a former Deputy Minister of Finance
The name Victor Selormey has been brought into conversations surrounding the recent declaration of former Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, as a wanted fugitive by the Office of the Special Prosecutor.
Victor Lawrence Kwashie Selormey, an economist who held the position of Deputy Minister of Finance during Jerry John Rawlings’s administration, was found guilty in a court of law on charges of financial misconduct.
In 2001, he received an 8-year prison sentence for defrauding by false pretenses and causing financial loss to the government.
For some proponents of accountability, Victor Selormey’s case highlights the responsibility of public officials to handle public assets with integrity.
Conversely, his family views his case as an example of blatant political persecution, which ultimately led to his demise.
In a recent post on Facebook, Francis Yao Selormey, a relative of the late Deputy Minister, reminisced about how Victor chose to return to Ghana to mount a defense against corruption allegations, despite seeking medical treatment abroad.
Francis recounted that, upon his arrival at Kotoka International Airport, Victor was arrested in a manner reminiscent of a dramatic film scene.
“When the late Victor Selormey was accused of corruption while receiving medical care outside the country, he willingly returned to defend his name. His arrest at the airport was like a ‘Rambo’ operation, leading to his detention and eventual imprisonment, driven by political motivations,” he shared.
As reported widely, Francis Selormey asserted that his relative, who dealt with serious cardiac issues and had a pacemaker, was held at Nsawam Prison and only transferred to Korle Bu Teaching Hospital for medical care when his health severely declined, despite persistent requests from his family for treatment abroad.
“This was a man with a pacemaker who suffered from heart problems. While he was kept in Nsawam with an oxygen tank, his family continuously pleaded for him to receive treatment overseas. It was only after his condition deteriorated that he was taken to Korle Bu, where he sadly passed away. My family and I suffered significant stigma during this time,” added Francis.
The case surrounding the late former deputy minister primarily revolved around the sale of 60% of GNPC’s 40% stake in LEEBDA Corporation to an American firm, Amromco Energy LLC, for $20 million in 1998.
The accusations claimed that LEEBDA Corporation was non-existent at the time of the alleged sale, meaning no shares could be legally sold.
The prosecution contended that Selormey and others colluded to defraud the state by peddling shares of a fictitious company, asserting that no such entity was registered in Delaware, USA, where LEEBDA was purportedly incorporated.
The defense argued that LEEBDA did exist but had been dissolved prior to the completion of the deal. They maintained that Selormey was not informed about LEEBDA’s dissolution at the time of the transaction.
Additionally, they claimed that essential evidence, which could have demonstrated LEEBDA’s existence at some point, was hidden by the prosecution.
The conviction of Victor Selormey remains controversial due to allegations that evidence, like documents from Delaware confirming LEEBDA’s existence, was withheld by the prosecution, potentially absolving Selormey or at least offering an alternative viewpoint on his conduct.
Francis Yao Selormey’s remarks emerge following the OSP’s declaration of former Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, as a wanted fugitive tied to four significant corruption investigations.
During a press briefing on February 12, Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng indicated that Ofori-Atta, who is reportedly undergoing medical treatment in the United States, must return to Ghana immediately to respond to inquiries, warning that failure to comply would result in measures to secure his return.
The Minority Leader of Parliament, Afenyo-Markin, noted that Ken Ofori-Atta, who is said to be traumatized by the OSP’s declaration, is eager to return at an appropriate time.
However, according to Francis Selormey, Ken Ofori-Atta could likewise come back and defend himself while receiving medical attention in Ghana.
“Currently, Ken Ofori-Atta is described as traumatized and seeking medical care, which prevents him from presenting himself. Fortunately, UGMC and Agenda 111 are capable of managing his health needs while he establishes his innocence,” he remarked.
GA/KE
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