2024 half year report of OSP released

Operating under Act 959, the OSP is dedicated to investigating and prosecuting corruption-related offenses, focusing on public officials, politically exposed persons, and private citizens.

Is allowance instantly strangers applauded

The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), Ghana’s foremost independent body for combating corruption, has issued its report covering activities from July to December 2024. 

Operating under Act 959, the OSP is dedicated to investigating and prosecuting corruption-related offenses, focusing on public officials, politically exposed persons, and private citizens.

During the 2024 general elections, the OSP undertook significant efforts to combat electoral corruption. This included deploying undercover agents to curtail vote buying and selling, alongside running public awareness campaigns that encouraged citizens to reject bribery and manipulation during the electoral process.

Challenges Encountered:
The OSP faced notable obstacles, including:

  • Legal Disputes: Ongoing attempts to challenge the Office’s constitutional mandate in the Supreme Court.
  • Resource Limitations: Financial and logistical constraints hindered the OSP’s capacity to address a growing caseload.
  • Institutional Resistance: Non-compliance and delays in cooperation from other entities further impeded investigations.
  • Public Misinformation: Efforts to counter false narratives about the Office’s operations added to its challenges.

Cases in Prosecution:

The Republic v. Adjenim Boateng Adjei (Accra): The former CEO of the Public Procurement Authority is on trial for eight counts of corruption, including exploiting his position for personal gain. The case resumes on January 16, 2025.

The Republic v. Sumaila Abdul Rahman & Others (Tamale): Former officials of the Northern Development Authority and A&QS Consortium Limited are facing 11 charges of procurement-related corruption. Defence proceedings continue in January 2025.

The Republic v. Alexander Kwabena Sarfo Kantanka (Kumasi): The accused, linked to electoral corruption, awaits judgment following delays caused by judicial reassignments.

Completed Investigations:

  1. Ghana Police Service: Investigation into corruption in Course 51 Cadet Officers Training has been finalized, and decisions on further actions are pending.
  2. Gaming Commission of Ghana: A probe into a procurement contract awarded to Turfsport Ghana Limited has concluded, awaiting the Special Prosecutor’s directives.
  3. Charles Bissue (Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining): Allegations of using public office for personal gain have been investigated, with subsequent steps yet to be determined.

Key Ongoing Investigations:

  1. National Cathedral Project: Examination of payments and procurement practices involving former Finance Minister Kenneth Nana Yaw Ofori-Atta and others.
  2. Ministry of Health (Ambulance Case): Investigation into irregularities in the procurement of 307 ambulances is ongoing.
  3. National Service Authority: Corruption in recruitment and administrative processes is under scrutiny.
  4. Ghana Revenue Authority/Tata Consulting Services: An inquiry into the procurement of the Integrated Tax Administration System (ITAS).
  5. Strategic Mobilization Ghana Limited/Ghana Revenue Authority: Investigation into suspected irregularities.
  6. Illegal Mining ("Galamsey") Activities: A broad investigation includes entities like Akonta Mining Limited and former members of the Inter-Ministerial Committee.