Paul Adom Otchere, former Board Chairman of the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) and host of Good Evening Ghana on Metro TV, has publicly acknowledged the crucial role played by senior staff of Manhyia Palace alongside prominent Ashanti chiefs in securing his release on bail following his recent detention by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP).
Adom Otchere was arrested along with two others in connection with an investigation into the awarding of a revenue assurance contract to a private firm without competitive procurement procedures.
The OSP investigation had raised serious questions about the contract’s legitimacy, leading to the high-profile detention.
However, after extensive legal negotiations, the OSP accepted revised bail conditions presented by Adom Otchere’s legal team. The Jospong Group of Companies agreed to act as surety, providing the necessary security for his release while the probe continues.
In a heartfelt 11-minute video message released shortly after his bail, Adom Otchere expressed deep gratitude to the many individuals and groups who supported him during his trying ordeal.
Most notably, he singled out key traditional leaders and Manhyia palace officials for applying pressure on the authorities to facilitate his release.
Adom Otchere named Kwamohene Nana Owusu Nyanin, Jachiehene Baffour Kwaku Amoateng IV, and Ejisumanhene Nana Afrane Okese IV as well as senior figures within Manhyia Palace for actively intervening in his favor.
He remarked, “To the chiefs, the Kwamu hene, Jachihene, Ejisuman hene and the senior officials at Manhyia Palace who put pressure on the system, insisting on my release, I cannot thank you enough. I’m coming to Kumasi soon to thank you personally.
“I’ll thank you all. Adenta kumi, I know that you are in Manhyia Palace and I believe that you are part of this. Even though you’re a young man, I’m sure you told your bosses that please call the authorities. Please call the authorities. I’m so grateful,” he stated.
Beyond the chiefs and Manhyia palace staff, Adom Otchere extended his thanks to a broad range of supporters, including political figures, pastors, lawyers, and friends.
He noted the overwhelming number of phone calls and prayers he received during his detention.
He said “Those who like me, those who don’t, those who were happy about my detention, and those praying for me, pastors from every corner were calling. When I arrived at the OSP, their support was continuous.”
He recognized the dedication of his lawyers, specifically Apraku and Nana Yaw, for their prompt and professional handling of his case amid last-minute scheduling changes imposed by the OSP.
Adom Otchere also expressed appreciation to former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for his personal call to his wife, which brought her comfort.
“Nana Addo Dankwa Akuffo Addo, my favorite politician of all time. Oh, my wife is so happy with the call that you placed to her and the concern that you show. Mr. President, thank you very much.”
The former GACL Chairman praised Vice President Alhaji Mahamudu Bawumia and his wife Samira, as well as political allies including Kennedy Agyapong, Minority leader, Alexander Afenyo Markin, and NPP National Organizer Henry Nana Boakye and NPP General Secretary Justin Frimpong Kodua who persistently engaged the former Attorney General Godfred Dame on his behalf.
Special mention was made to Rashid Yusuf, of Zoomlion Ghana Limited, who personally provided properties as surety to secure the bail, demonstrating “great love and brotherhood.” Adom Otchere described Yusuf as “more than a brother.”
He also conveyed heartfelt appreciation to his legal and political mentors, including Manhyia South MP Agyei Baffour and lawyer Thaddeus Sory, for their guidance and encouragement throughout the ordeal.
Source: www.Kumasimail/Kwadwo Owusu
