Ghana's Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), the nation's leading independent anti-corruption agency, has published its comprehensive half-yearly report covering July to December 2024. The report details the agency's achievements, ongoing investigations, challenges faced, and current prosecutions.
A key focus during this period was combating electoral corruption during the 2024 general elections. The OSP deployed covert operatives to monitor and disrupt vote-buying activities and launched nationwide public awareness campaigns to educate citizens about the dangers of electoral malpractice and encourage them to reject bribery.
Challenges Faced:
Despite its efforts, the OSP encountered significant obstacles:
- Legal Hurdles: Challenges to the OSP's constitutional mandate in the Supreme Court caused delays in key cases.
- Resource Constraints: Limited funding and logistical resources hampered the agency's capacity to effectively manage its caseload.
- Institutional Resistance: Delays in compliance from some government agencies hindered investigations and enforcement.
- Public Misinformation: Disinformation campaigns aimed at discrediting the OSP undermined public confidence.
Cases Under Prosecution:
Three significant corruption cases are currently before the courts:
- The Republic v. Adjenim Boateng Adjei (Accra): The former CEO of the Public Procurement Authority faces eight corruption charges, including using public office for personal gain. The case management stage resumes January 16, 2025.
- The Republic v. Sumaila Abdul Rahman & Others (Tamale): Former Northern Development Authority executives and A&QS Consortium Limited face 11 counts of procurement corruption. Defense proceedings are ongoing, with the next hearing scheduled for January 2025.
- The Republic v. Alexander Kwabena Sarfo Kantanka (Kumasi): This case, involving alleged election-related corruption, awaits judgment. Procedural delays due to judicial reassignments have stalled progress.
Completed Investigations:
The OSP concluded several high-profile investigations:
- Ghana Police Service: An investigation into recruitment corruption in the Course 51 Cadet Officers Training program is complete, awaiting further action by the Special Prosecutor.
- Gaming Commission of Ghana: Irregularities in a procurement contract awarded to Turfsport Ghana Limited were investigated; directives are pending.
- Charles Bissue (Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining): Allegations of profiteering using public office were investigated; further action is pending.
Key Ongoing Investigations:
Several high-profile cases remain under active investigation:
- National Cathedral Project: A probe into payments related to procurement and construction, including those involving former Finance Minister Kenneth Nana Yaw Ofori-Atta.
- Ministry of Health/Service Ghana Auto Group (The Ambulance Case): Investigation into procurement irregularities in the acquisition and maintenance of 307 ambulances.
- National Service Authority: Investigation into recruitment corruption and administrative malpractices.
- Ghana Revenue Authority/Tata Consulting Services: Review of a contract for the Integrated Tax Administration System (ITAS) for suspected corruption.
- Strategic Mobilization Ghana Limited/Ghana Revenue Authority: Investigation into procurement-related offenses.
- Illegal Mining Activities (“Galamsey”): A wide-ranging investigation targeting officials and entities involved in illegal mining, including Akonta Mining Limited and former members of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining.
Caseload and Public Transparency:
The OSP is reviewing 197 additional complaints, with cases meeting the investigation threshold to be publicized and pursued. Despite the challenges, the OSP remains committed to fighting corruption and restoring public trust, calling for increased resources and institutional cooperation to enhance its effectiveness.
