Alleged bribery of Majority MPs by businessman: OSP concludes probe, bemoans lack of cooperation from MPs

The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has released its report on an investigation regarding the alleged bribery of some Majority Members of Parliament by an unnamed wealthy businessman in November 2022. 

The OSP's probe stemmed from a petition by pressure group OccupyGhana, who following allegations made by Majority leader, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu and the MP for Asante-Akyem North, Andy Appiah-Kubi, had called for an investigation and possible prosecution, as the issue could influence the conduct of MPs in the course of their official duties.

The MPs at the time, in interviews, had alleged that the said businessman had attempted to bribe the MPs, in order to stop them from going ahead with threats to not cooperate with government business if President Akufo-Addo does not sack Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta and the Minister of State at the Ministry of Finance, Charles Adu Boahen, from office.

In its report released today, January 3, 2024, the OSP confirms that the wealthy businessman did in fact attempt to bribe a section of the majority caucus of Parliament, but that monetary offer was rejected by the contacted Members of Parliament.

However, the OSP stated its unable to prosecute the the businessman, whose name was also withheld in the report, because the “accusers”, who in this case are Hon Kyei-Mensah Bonsu and Appiah-Kubi, had refused to cooperate. 

“It appears to the OSP that Mr. Appiah-Kubi is the accuser and the vital key to resolving the case. On the other hand, Mr. Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu appears to be of limited utility in this regard since he is in no different a position from that of any person who was not contacted by the wealthy businessman. It seems to the OSP that the responses by Mr. Appiah-Kubi and Mr. XXXXXX XXXX XXXXXXX appear to be rehearsed and well-choreographed to produce a joint and similar denial of the events so vividly captured by Mr. Appiah-Kubi in his interview with Joy FM. 5.5 The circumstances of the case are such that the cooperation and testimony of the accuser of the well-known wealthy businessman are essential to a successful prosecution. Mr. Appiah-Kubi’s refusal to cooperate with the investigation and his refusal to disclose the identity of the suspect are most regrettable,” parts of the report read. 

"On that reckoning, the Special Prosecutor directs the closure of the investigation in respect of allegations that a well-known and wealthy businessman attempted to bribe a section of the majority caucus of Parliament. The Special Prosecutor determines that the institution of criminal proceedings, at this time, against the OSP’s identified suspect would serve no useful purpose. 

“The investigation may be re-opened should the circumstances and further facts so dictate."

The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) presents this report on an investigation into alleged attempted bribery of the majority caucus of the Parliament of Ghana. You can access the full report by clicking on this link; https://t.co/5UbeKXnRQU pic.twitter.com/Wwi2UGra3G

— Office of the Special Prosecutor-Ghana (@ospghana) January 3, 2024