Ernest Thompson, 3 others to open defence in SSNIT OBS case

Juliet Hassana Kramer, CEO of Perfect Business System (PBS), has been acquitted and discharged of all charges in the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) Operational Business Suites (OBS) trial. 

The Accra High Court presided over by Justice Henry Kwofie, granted her freedom following a submission of no case filed by her legal team.

Ms. Kramer had faced allegations of willfully causing financial loss, conspiracy to commit a crime, defrauding by false pretenses, and breaching the Public Procurement Act. However, the court found insufficient evidence to proceed with the charges against her.

While Ms. Kramer was cleared, the court directed four other individuals to open their defense, as a prima facie case had been established against them. These individuals include:

Ernest Thompson, former Director-General of SSNIT.

John Hagan Mensah, former IT Manager at SSNIT.

Caleb Kwaku Afaglo, former Head of Management Information System (MIS) at SSNIT.

Peter Hayibor, Counsel for SSNIT.

Charges Against the Accused

Ernest Thompson and John Hagan Mensah: They were instructed to defend themselves on charges of conspiracy to commit a crime and willfully causing financial loss to the state. Thompson was acquitted of nine other charges related to conspiracy and breaching procurement laws.

Caleb Kwaku Afaglo: He is to respond to charges of defrauding by pretenses, possession of forged documents, and using forged documents.

Peter Hayibor: He must defend against allegations of willfully causing financial loss and conspiracy to commit a crime.

Background

The trial stems from the controversial $66 million SSNIT OBS project, which was aimed at modernizing SSNIT’s operations through enhanced information and communications technology. Afaglo is accused of securing his position at SSNIT using fraudulent certificates.

The prosecution, led by Director of Public Prosecutions Mrs. Yvonne Atakorah Obuobisa, called 10 witnesses to present their case. Despite their efforts, the defense filed a submission of no case, resulting in Ms. Kramer's discharge.

The case has been adjourned until December 19, 2024, for the continuation of proceedings against the remaining accused.