7
Convictions Secured
31
Persons Standing Trial
7
Suspended Transactions
GHS 35.14 million
Recovered
GHS 7.18 billion
Loss Averted
19,191
Persons Sensitised (in_person)
Prosecution
The OSP is prosecuting a number of corruption and corruption-related
offences as mandated by section 2 (a) of the Office of the Special
Prosecutor Act, 2017 (Act 959).
There have been seven (7) convictions so far. The rest of the
cases are at different stages of the trial process.
The OSP is committed to bring all persons charged, regardless of social status and partisan affiliation, to face the law. Prosecutions are a major means of making corruption costly and unattractive.
| Indicator | Total | |
|---|---|---|
| Prosecutions initiated | 11 | View |
| Cases pending | 8 | View |
| Convictions (full trial) | 0 | View |
| Convictions (plea agreement) | 7 | View |
| Acquittals (full trial) | 1 | View |
| No case submission upheld | 1 | View |
| Discontinuances | 1 | View |
| Procedural dismissals | 0 | View |
Frequency of data collection is bi-annual
Investigation
The OSP is empowered by section 3 (1) (a)(b)(c) of Act 959 and regulation 6 of the L.I. 2374, to investigate acts of corruption and corruption related offences if the circumstances indicate same. Subsequent to pre-investigation processes, the OSP proceeds to perform thorough forensic investigations to substantiate facts of the alleged acts of corruption to enable successful prosecutions.
| Indicator | Total | |
|---|---|---|
| Complaints received * | 240 | View |
| Complaints proceeding to full investigation | 79 | View |
| Case that led to Prosecution / administrative action | 17 | View |
| Special reports published | 10 | View |
| Systemic reforms triggered by OSP investigative findings | 6 | View |
* These figures represent all complaints received to date, pending screening to determine jurisdiction, credibility, and evidential merit before full investigation.
Asset Recovered
In the event of successful prosecutions or the determination of the OSP that acts of corruption or corruption-related offences have occurred, it is empowered under section 65 of the Office of the Special Prosecutor Act, 2017 (Act 959) to, confiscate, recover, and manage tainted property. This specialised mandate enables the restitution of public assets lost through corruption to the state. In furtherance of the above mandate, the OSP has successfully recovered millions of cedis to the state. Additional recoveries will be made subject to the successful prosecution of ongoing cases.
| Indicator | Total | |
|---|---|---|
| Value of assets recovered | 35.14M | View |
| Value and composition of assets seized / frozen | 618M | View |
| Loss averted | 7.18B | View |
| Suspended / Cancelled transactions | 7 | View |
| Civil processes filed to confirm assets already seized or frozen | 17 | View |
Figures are valued in Cedis
Frequency of data collection is bi-annual
Prevention
Pursuant to regulation 31 of the Office of the Special Prosecutor (Operations) Regulations, 2018 (L.I. 2374), the OSP is mandated to proactively prevent the occurrence of corruption and related offenses, resulting in significant savings for the public coffers. This entails implementing various measures to mitigate instances of grand corruption. Furthermore, the Office advocates implementation of additional measures and policies to prevent future corrupt practices, streamline administrative procedures in the public sector, and safeguard substantial financial resources. Through its vigilant and pre-emptive measures, the OSP effectively closes potential avenues for corruption, achieving the dual objectives of preventing corrupt activities and saving billions of Ghanaian cedis.
| Indicator | Total | |
|---|---|---|
| Number of individuals reached through in-person anti-corruption education and sensitisation programmes | 19,191 | View |
| Cumulative social media reach and impressions of anti-corruption education content across digital platforms** | 54.76M | View |
| Number of individuals reached through anti-corruption messages via traditional media | 19.35M | View |
| Number of corruption risk assessments conducted | 3 | View |
| Number of anti-corruption public awareness campaigns conducted | 41 | View |
| Number of public officials trained in ethics, integrity, and anti-corruption compliance | -- | View |
| Public Trust in the OSP | 55% | View |
| Percentage of Right to Information (RTI) requests responded to. | 92% | View |
Frequency of data collection is Bi-annual
** Figures are platform-reported and may not be directly comparable across platforms due to differences in measurement methodologies
Cooperation
Effective anti-corruption enforcement increasingly relies on cooperation across jurisdictions and institutions. Corruption cases often involve cross-border financial flows, shell companies, and assets hidden abroad, while domestically they may cut across multiple agencies with overlapping mandates. An indicator on cooperation therefore measures not just the existence of partnerships, but the effectiveness of collaborative mechanisms that enable investigations, prosecutions, and asset recovery.
| Indicator | Total | |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Mutual Legal Assistance (MLA) requests submitted in corruption and corruption-related cases | -- | View |
| Number of extradition requests submitted and/or executed in corruption-related cases | -- | View |
| Number of joint investigations conducted with foreign law enforcement or anti-corruption agencies | -- | View |
| Number of international anti-corruption meetings, conferences, and networks participated in | -- | View |
Frequency of data collection is Bi-annual
SUSPENSION OF TOR - TORRENTCO DEAL
The timely investigative work of the OSP upended the leasing of a national asset, the Tema Oil Refinery (ToR), in a deal which bore the trappings of corruption. In a bid to revamp the struggling state refinery, the board of directors for ToR acceded to a 6-year lease agreement with Torrentco Assets Management Limited (TAML). The arrangement was purported as necessary to allow for the Optimisation of the refinery’s output and also to refurbish its ageing infrastructure. However, several groups including its own workers union and civil society organizations vehemently opposed the lease agreement. Questions were raised about the viability of TAML, which was found to lack both the experience and financial muscle, to enter into such an agreement.
It was also determined that TAML lacked the required licences and certifications to carry out the lease agreement. The lessee was later rebranded as Tema Energy Processing Limited and attempted to re-enter the lease agreement under the previous conditions. Following a petition, the OSP ordered the cessation of and negotiations or actions pertaining to the proposed agreement to enable it perform a thorough corruption risk assessment. This led to the TEPL withdrawing their interest in the lease agreement with TOR. In spite of the deal estimated to be worth US$ 22 million, Ghana stood to lose far more than that under the proposed terms.
PREVENTED PAYMENT OF GHC 5 MILLION IN INFLATED CONTRACT
The OSPs vigilance and prompt actions saved Ghana over GHC 5 million Ghana cedis following the termination of over-bloated contract by the Northern Development Authority (NDA). It was believed that the NDA issued contracts for consultancy services for the execution of a series of poverty alleviation projects under the Infrastructure for Poverty Eradication Programme (IPEP) in the 11 constituencies in the Upper West Region. The OSP instructed the Controller and Accountant General’s Department to halt payments to the NDA after ascertaining that the contract had been bloated from GHC 5 million to GHC 10 million. Persons associated with the corrupt act were arraigned before court for prosecution.
`LABIANCA COMPANY LIMITED AND CUSTOMS DIVISION OF GHANA REVENUE AUTHORITY
In 2021, the Office commenced investigations pursuant to a complaint made against Labianca Group of Companies concerning the issuance of markups it received from the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA).
The investigations substantiated that indeed, GRA, had wrongly awarded Labianca advanced ruling of 5% to 10% lower than the benchmark value for frozen foods it imported. Incidentally, the proprietor of Labianca Ltd, Eunice Jacqueline Buah Asomah-Hinne’s dual role as a member of the Council of State and a board member of the Ghana Port and Harbours Authority may have influenced the award of the preferential advance rulings.
Subsequent to the conclusion of the OSP’s case, the Parliament of Ghana scrapped the provisions that permitted the Customs Advance Rulings and benchmarking. This development effectively ended the dispensation of the discretional issuance of benchmark values and advance rulings by Customs officials. The former discretional system created leeway for the surreptitious avoidance of payment of taxes and import duties with the aid of Customs officials. The resultant ruling of Parliament was a direct consequence of the measures undertaken by the OSP to sanitise the system and effectively avert future corruption of the excise regime.
For the period May 2021 to August 2022, revenue from sale of auctioned goods at the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority stood at Ghc 28,827,912.91. As a result of conducting corruption risk assessment on that revenue stream, the OSP directed the GRA – CD to present Integrity Action Plan. In implementing the Integrity Action Plan, the OSP further directed the CD to ensure that Auction Sale Prices of vehicles and goods should include the duty and taxes payable on the commodities.
Upon conclusion of investigations, the Office estimated that GRA’s erroneous application of benchmark values to Labianca Ltd cost the state GHC1,074,627.15. Resultantly, the OSP issued a battery of administrative measures to sanitise the award of benchmark values and avoid the future occurrence of similar illegalities. Further, GRA was directed to produce an Integrity Plan aimed at ending the abuse of its discretionary powers granted to its officers in accordance with the Customs Act, 2015 (Act 891).
As a result of the intervention of the OSP in monitoring strict compliance of its directives to the GRA-CD, revenue from the sale of auction vehicles and goods from September 2022 to December 2023 shot up to Ghc. 125, 055,282.14, an increase in revenue by 333.8%.
The OSP handles prosecutions, while convictions are determined by the courts. On average, a criminal trial spans three years. The Office is currently prosecuting the following cases:
1. D13/01/22; The Republic v Alexander Kwabena Sarfo Kantanka Case:
2. NR/TL/HC/CCI/13/23; The Republic v Sumaila Abdul Rahman & Ors
3. CR/04492/2022; The Republic v Adjenim Boateng
4. NR/TL/HC/CC1/2/25; The Republic v Yakubu Tahidu & 5 Ors
Below are some of the notable cases investigated by the OSP.
| S/N | Case | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | GRA-Customs | Investigation concluded. Reforms were implemented, including changes to the conduct of auction sales and the repeal of the benchmark value law by Parliament. Officials who allowed corruption through inaction were dismissed or transferred. |
| 2 | Charles Adu Boahen | Former Minister of State at the Ministry of Finance. Investigation concluded, but the alleged crime (influence peddling) is not criminalized under existing law |
| 3 | Cecilia Dapaah | Former Minister of Sanitation. Investigation concluded and referred to EOCO, as the alleged crime (money laundering) falls outside the mandate of the OSP. |
| 4 | Wealthy Businessman | Allegations of attempt to bribe Members of Parliament by a wealthy businessman. Key alleger unwilling to substantiate allegation. Case concluded. |
| 5 | Government Payroll | The blockage of further payments to revealed “ghosts” on the government payroll saved Ghana an amount of GHS 34.2 million (GHC34,249,737.6) for the 2024 financial year, and further savings beyond 2024. |
| 6 | Airbus SE | Investigations concluded. The OSP found no evidence that Ghanaian officials involved in the purchase of military aircrafts were involved in bribery. |
YOUTH AGAINST CORRUPTION CAMPAIGN
Prevention of corruption remains one of the most important strategic focus of the Office in the unrelenting fight against corruption. The Youth who represent the future leaders of many countries are the target of this flagship programme by the OSP in pursuance of section 2 (c) of the OSP Act, 2017 (ACT 959) and Regulation 31 (1) (b) of the OSP Regulations, 2018 (L.I. 2374) which mandates the Office to take steps to prevent corruption. Thus, the Office has initiated the “Youth Against Corruption Initiative” to continuously engage and sensitise the youth in a proactive move to instil the values of honesty, integrity, accountability, and transparency in them. Till date, several schools from Junior High to Senior High through to the Universities continue to benefit from this initiative.
DISRUPTION OF COUNTERFEITING SYNDICATE
The OSP disrupted the activities of a counterfeiting syndicate in a sting operation. Seizures made in warehouses in Accra and Tema realised US$40, 000,000 counterfeit notes, one of the largest of such busts in the history of Ghana. While the OSP proceeds with investigations into the matter with the Ghana Police Service, the prevention of the counterfeited notes from entering circulation spares the country dire economic, social, and political consequences.
CHARLES ADU BOAHEN
The OSPs investigations into the involvement of the former Minister of State for Finance, Charles Adu Boahen, in acts of corruption galvanized calls for the passage of relevant legislations to adequately fight corruption. Mr. Adu Boahen was captured in an investigative documentary soliciting a 20 percent stake in a purported US$ 500, 000,000 million investments from undercover journalists posing as investors. The release of the documentary occasioned the referral of the matter to the OSP by the President, H.E. Nana Addo Daquah Akufo-Addo for investigation. The investigations yielded a report by the OSP which cited Mr. Adu Boahen for Influence Peddling.
However, the OSP could not prefer prosecutorial actions against him since influence peddling fell outside the remits of the OSP’s mandate. The OSP report generated huge public discourse and debates by Ghanaians, civil society and the media on Influence Peddling and Sting Operations. However, the OSP report marked a watershed moment as it called for the passage of relevant laws on influence peddling, Conduct of Public Officers Act the Corrupt Practices Act. This will comprehensively define and prohibit all forms of corruption and appropriately govern the behaviour of public officials.
AGYAPA ROYALTIES DEAL
The OSP’s corruption risk assessment of the Agyapa Minerals Royalty identified numerous incidences and possibilities of corruption, leading to the subsequent suspension of the deal. In August 2020, the government of Ghana proposed to sell the majority of its future gold royalties to Agyapa Royalties Ltd, a public-private joint venture registered in the British protectorate of Jersey. The deal would have seen the sale of 49 percent of the company on the London Stock Exchange while the government would have retained 51 percent of the company. Agyapa Royalties would have had the mandate to create Special Purpose Vehicles (SPV) to invest the country’s mineral incomes.
Following the referral of the matter to the OSP, a corruption risk and anti-corruption assessment was initiated into the conception of the deal and its attendant implications for the country. The OSP identified several breaches of corruption rules in the structuring of the deal and procurement processes for service providers. Also, the OSP highlighted that the deal created the necessary opportunities to facilitate illegal financial flows and money laundering. Consequently, the Ministry of Finance halted the listing of Agyapa Royalties on the London Stock Exchange, effectively preventing the long-term haemorrhaging of public funds courtesy of the Agyapa deal.
Indicator Definition
Freezing orders granted are applications for freezing of assets made to the Court that are granted by the latter to the OSP. Freezing orders are required to enable investigation in some cases.
The Percentage of Freezing orders granted is arrived at by the number of granted freezing orders, over the number of freezing order applications expressed as a percentage (Number of Granted Freezing Orders/Number of Freezing Order Applications × 100).
Justification: The OSP seeks to track the success rate of its freezing order applications to inform remedial measures.
Indicator Definition
Cases reported to the Investigations Division undergo preliminary investigations to determine viability for a full-scale investigation.
This indicator measures the percentage of cases that make it past preliminary investigation; an indication of the strength of cases reported to the OSP.
Justification: Low strength of cases reported over time could inform the need for targeted sensitisation.
Prosecutions initiated
-
Indicator Definition : The number of new criminal cases filed by the office before the courts within a given reporting period. Each charge sheet or case filed is counted as one (1) prosecution initiated, regardless of the number of accused persons involved.
-
Justification : Tracking the number of prosecutions initiated is essential to demonstrate the prosecutorial mandate of the office. It provides a clear measure of how many corruption and corruption-related cases are formally advanced from investigation to court action within a given period.
-
2025
CR/0106/2026 The Republic v Kenneth Ofori-Atta & 7 Ors
The OSP has charged 7 individuals and one company with 78 charges of corruption and corruption related offences. The accused are
- Kenneth Ofori-Atta, former Minister of Finance;
- Ernest Darko Akore, chef de cabinet to Ofori-Atta;
- Emmanuel Kofi Nti, former Commissioner-General of Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA),
- Ammishaddai Owusu-Amoah, former Commissioner-General of GRA;
- Isaac Crentsil, former Commissioner of Customs Division of GRA,
- Kwadwo Damoah, MP for Jaman South and former Commissioner of Customs Division of GRA;
- Evans Adusei, beneficial owner and Chief Executive of Strategic Mobilization Ghana Limited and
- Strategic Mobilization Ghana Limited (SML).
The prosecution is on the back of investigations by the OSP into contracts awarded to SML by the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA). The findings revealed that the SML contracts were unnecessary and delivered no substantial work or value to the state. Officials of GRA had manipulated the procurement process to select SML for a service that was not needed and engineered the payment of substantial amounts to SML. The actions of Kenneth Ofori-Atta (A1), Emmanuel Kofi Nti (A3), Ammishaddai Owusu-Amoah (A4), Isaac Crentsil (A5), and Kwadwo Damoah (A6) created the opportunity for SML (A8) to largely pretend to perform the services under the various contracts - leading to immense financial loss to the Republic of about One Billion Four Hundred and Thirty-Six Million Two Hundred and Forty-Nine Thousand Eight Hundred and Twenty-Eight Cedis Fifty-Three Pesewas (GHC1,436,249,828.53).
The Accused Persons also intended that a further estimated Two Billion Seven Hundred and Ninety-Nine Million Six Hundred and Four Thousand Eight Hundred and Sixty-Four United States Dollars Seventy-One Cents (US$2,799,604,864.71) be paid to SML (A8) for a period of five (5) years without the mandatory statutory prior authorisation by Parliament.
The Accused Persons based their actions on their false claims that SML (A8) possessed technical expertise and capability in revenue assurance, and that the technical expertise and capability of SML (A8) had greatly increased revenue for the Republic; and further that SML (A8) exclusively possessed the only patented and proven technology systems in the world for value chain transaction audits, external price verification, and measurement audit services in the downstream petroleum, upstream petroleum, and minerals sectors.
CR/0603/2025 Republic V Mustapha Abdul-Hamid & 9 Ors
The Office has charged seven individuals and three companies in connection with a GHC280 million extortion and money laundering scheme within the National Petroleum Authority (NPA).
The scheme, allegedly orchestrated by former NPA CEO Mustapha Abdul-Hamid and two other officials, involved the unlawful collection and diversion of funds from petroleum transporters and oil marketing companies between 2022 and 2024.
Part of the proceeds was laundered through three corporate entities to acquire real estate and fuel-related assets. One suspect remains at large as prosecution begins and investigations continue.
The OSP confirmed asset seizures on 6 November 2025, totalling over GHS 100 million and USD100,000, including real estate, fuel stations, and logistics vehicles.
The accused persons entered their pleas on 9 December 2025 with the case management conference scheduled on 19 January 2026.
CR/0513/2025 The Republic v. Issah Seidu & 3 Ors
The Office of the Special Prosecutor has charged four public officials—Issah Seidu, James Keck Osei, John Abban, and Peter Archibold Hyde—with corruption in relation to an attempted unlawful acquisition of ten containers of imported rice at the Tema Port.
The accused allegedly connived to clear the imported rice from Thailand with a fake letter of authorization from the Office of the Vice President. The accused are expected to appear before the High Court for plea proceedings.
The trial resumed on 20 October 2025. The four accused individuals face two (2) counts of corruption by and of a public officer; and using public office for profit .
NR/TL/HC/CC1/2/25 The Republic v Tahidu Yakubu & 5 Ors
The OSP commenced criminal proceedings against six individuals before the High Court in Tamale, Northern Region, on charges related to payroll fraud and corruption. The accused persons – Yakubu Tahiru, Abdulai Abukari Sadic, Sammy Suuk, Mohammed Yusif Jay, Stafort Koletey Azudey-Barres, and Osman Isshaku were charged with 22 counts of corruption and corruption-related offences that resulted in financial loss to the state.
Upon the commencement of the case, the accused persons triggered the OSP’s plea bargaining regime under section 71(1) of Act 959 and voluntarily offered to admit to the offences, make restitution and provide information that will aid in the arrest and prosecution of other persons known to them as having committed or are about to commit corruption and corruption-related offences.
In accordance with section 71(7) of Act 959, the accused persons have paid to the State a total amount of One Hundred and Six Thousand Three Hundred and Nineteen cedis Sixty-Four pesewas (GHC106,319.64), being Twenty Thousand cedis (GHC20,000.00) as reparation and the sum of Eighty-Six Thousand Three Hundred and Eighteen cedis Ninety-Five pesewas (GHC86,318.95) as restitution.
The acceptance of the plea bargain means the accused have been convicted of the offences.
This case marks the first in a series of prosecutions arising from a joint forensic audit conducted by the OSP and the Controller and Accountant General’s Department (CAGD) into Government Payroll Administration covering the Northern Region only. The audit was undertaken in accordance with Regulation 31(1)(a) and (g) of the OSP (Operations) Regulations, 2018 (L.I. 2374), which empowers the OSP to prevent corruption through risk analysis and the publication of detected corrupt practices.
The investigation uncovered unearned monthly salaries amounting to GHS2,854,144.80, paid to individuals who were deceased, retired, had vacated their posts, were flagged as missing staff, or whose whereabouts were unknown. The subsequent removal of these ghost names from the payroll has saved the Republic GHS34,249,737.60 for the 2024 financial year alone, with future savings projected annually due to the intervention.
FT/0035/2025 Republic v. Ibrahim Kofi Sessah & Gloria Acquah
The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has charged Mr Ibrahim Sessah, a Technician with the Local Government Service at Adeiso District, with Using Public Officer for Profit, Giving Bribe to Influence a Public Officer, and Money Laundering. The charges relate to a scheme involving the sale of Ghana Education Service (GES) appointment letters to prospective teachers. Investigations revealed that Mr Sessah acted in concert with three other suspects currently at large: Anthony Gyasi, an IT Officer at the GES Head Office; Sadia Alhassan, a teacher at Philip Quaque Boys Basic School; and Francis Asare, a private businessman.
Between January 2022 and December 2023, Mr Sessah allegedly received over GHS 6 million through his Zenith Bank account, including GHS 580,000.00 taken directly from at least 100 teacher applicants in exchange for placement. Mr Sessah was arraigned before the High Court (Financial Division 2), Accra, on 6 May 2025. He pleaded not guilty and was granted bail in the sum of GHS 6.5 million with two sureties to be justified with landed property. The case is pending trial, and efforts are ongoing to apprehend the accomplices at large.
CR/0559/2025 The Republic v Charles Cromwell Nanabanyin Onuawonto Bissue & 2 Ors
On 28 April 2025, the Office of the Special Prosecutor filed criminal charges against Charles Cromwell Nanabanyin Onuawonto Bissue, former Secretary of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining (IMCIM), and Andy Thomas Owusu with multiple counts of corruption and abuse of public office.
The charges include Six (6) counts of "Using Public Office for Profit", Three (3) charges of “Corruption by a Public Officer”, Three (3) charges of “Corruption of a public officer” and Three (3) charges of “Accepting Bribe to influence a public officer” which falls under the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29).
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2024
CR/0257/2024 The Republic v Adjenim Boateng Adjei
Previously, Mr. Adjei was standing trial together with his brother-in-law, Mr. Francis Kwaku Arhin. On 17 April 2024, the Office withdrew the initial charge sheet and replaced it with eight (8) counts of using public office for profit and directly and indirectly influencing the procurement process to obtain an unfair advantage in the award of public contracts, exclusively in respect of Mr. Adjei.
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2023
NR/TL/HC/CC1/13/23 The Republic v Sumaila Abdul-Rahman & Ors
Sumaila Abdul-Rahman (former Chief Executive of the Northern Development Authority), Stephen Yir-Eru Engmen (former Deputy Chief Executive, Operations), Patrick Seidu (former Deputy Chief Executive, Finance and Administration), and Andrew Kuundaari (Chief Executive of A&Qs Consortium Limited) have been charged with eleven counts of corruption and related offences following investigations.
The presentation of defence by the accused persons concluded on 7 November 2025. The case has been adjourned to 9 March 2026 for the Court to fix a date for judgment.
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2022
D13/01/22 The Republic v Alexander Kwabena Sarfo-Kantanka
Mr. Alexander Sarfo-Kantanka, President Akufo-Addo's nominee for Chief Executive of the Juaben Municipal Assembly, was prosecuted for alleged corruption in connection with a public election. He allegedly attempted to bribe elected assembly members and government appointees with GHS 5,000.00 and GHS 2,500.00, respectively, to secure votes. Following his electoral defeat, he demanded refunds, an incident captured on video.
On 9 April 2024, the High Court in Kumasi ruled that the prosecution established a prima facie case on three charges and ordered the accused to open his defence. Mr. Sarfo-Kantanka appealed and sought a stay of proceedings, which was dismissed. Following judicial transfers and adjournments, judgment was delivered on 26 May 2025, acquitting and discharging Mr. Sarfo-Kantanka on all counts. The Court found no direct evidential link between the viral video footage and the alleged bribery acts.
On 24 June 2025, the OSP filed a notice of appeal, contending that the judgment is against the weight of evidence and that the trial judge misdirected herself on key legal and factual issues. The appeal remains pending before the appellate courts.
CR/0492/2022 The Republic v. Adjenim Boateng Adjei & Another
The trial of Adjenim Boateng Adjei, former Chief Executive of the Public Procurement Authority, and his brother-in-law was before the Criminal Division of the High Court, Accra. Mr Adjei faced eight counts of using public office for profit and nine counts of directly or indirectly influencing procurement processes to gain an unfair advantage in public contract awards. His brother-in-law is charged with one count of using public office for profit. The case was dropped and refiled in 2024.
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2019
The Republic v Mahama Ayariga & Kenerick Akwasi Marfo
On 11 August 2019, the MP for Bawku Central, Mahama Ayariga was charged with five counts of using public office for private benefit, in the purchase of brand new and second-hand Toyota Land Cruiser vehicles. Another person, a car dealer, Kenerick Akwasi Marfo, was also charged with one count of collaboration with a public officer for the public officer's private profit.
Upon a second review of the case, the OSP entered nolle prosequi on 11th October 2021.
The Republic v Mahama Ayariga & 6 Ors
The Member of Parliament for Bawku Central, Mahama Ayariga and six (6) others were charged on 5 May 2019 for procurement infractions in the importation of an ambulance for the Bawku Municipality in the Upper East Region of the country.
The other accused persons included former officials of the Bawku Municipal Assembly, namely Hajia Hawa Ninchema, Sumaila Ewuntomah Abudu, Alex Vadze, Alhaji Abdul-Mumuni Jesewunde, Mary-Stella Adapesa, and Mumuni Yakubu Nambe. They were charged with alleged breaches of Sections 43(1) and 92(1) of the Public Procurement Act, 2003 (Act 663), as amended, as well as abetment contrary to Section 20(1) of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29).
The accused persons were all acquitted and discharged on 7 May 2021 after the court held that the prosecution had failed to establish a prima facie case or adduce sufficient evidence to support the charges.
Cases Pending
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Indicator Definition : This indicator measures the total number of corruption and corruption-related criminal cases that have been formally filed in court and remain active or unresolved under prosecution within the reporting period.
It includes cases at various stages of judicial proceedings, such as trial, adjournment, evidentiary hearings, or awaiting judgment. -
Justification : The indicator tracks the volume of active corruption-related prosecutions before the courts and helps assess prosecutorial performance, case progression, and challenges affecting timely adjudication.
CR/0106/2026 The Republic v Kenneth Ofori-Atta & 7 Ors
CR/0603/2025 Republic v Mustapha Abdul-Hamid & 9 Ors
CR/0513/2025 The Republic v. Issah Seidu & 3 Ors.
FT/0035/2025 Republic v. Ibrahim Kofi Sessah & Gloria Acquah
CR/0559/2025 The Republic v Charles Cromwell Nanabanyin Onuawonto Bissue & 2 Ors.
CR/0257/2024 The Republic v Adjenim Boateng Adjei
NR/TL/HC/CC1/13/23 The Republic v Sumaila Abdul-Rahman & 3 Ors.
D13/01/22 The Republic v Alexander Kwabena Sarfo-Kantanka (on Appeal )
Convictions (full trial)
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Indicator Definition : These are cases that travel full criminal trial term and lead to conviction of accused person(s).
-
Justification : The indicator tracks OSP’s prosecutorial success.
There are currently no convictions via full trial.
Convictions (plea agreement)
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Indicator Definition : This indicator measures the total number of corruption and corruption-related criminal cases concluded with convictions arising from plea bargaining agreements approved or confirmed by the court during the reporting period.
It includes cases in which the accused person enters a negotiated guilty plea accepted by the court in accordance with applicable legal procedures. -
Justification : This indicator assesses the effectiveness of plea bargaining as a prosecutorial and case resolution mechanism in corruption-related proceedings. It reflects the ability of the prosecution to secure timely convictions while reducing the duration and costs associated with full trials.
The indicator also captures the contribution of negotiated resolutions to restitution, recovery of assets or proceeds of crime, and compensation to the State. Monitoring court-approved plea bargaining outcomes helps evaluate prosecutorial efficiency, strategic case management, and the effectiveness of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms within anti-corruption enforcement.
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2025
CR/04/07/2025 The Republic V Charles Bissue & Andy Thomas Owusu
The High Court in Accra on 4 June 2025 convicted Thomas Andy Owusu in a corruption case tied to illegal mining licensing.
Owusu, the second accused in the case of The Republic v. Charles Bissue & Another, was convicted on his own plea after the Court accepted a plea agreement entered under section 71 of the Office of the Special Prosecutor Act, 2017 (Act 959). He was charged on two counts of Corruption of a Public Officer and Accepting Bribe to Influence a Public Officer.
Thomas Andy Owusu is required to pay a fine of 500 penalty units (GHS 6,000) and restitution of GHS 200,000 to the state for accepting GHS 15000 to influence a pubic officer.
NR/TL/HC/CC1/2/25 The Republic vs Yakubu & 5 Ors
The six accused persons in this case opted for a plea bargain. The accused admitted the charges and have repaid a total of GHS 106,318.95, made up of GHS 86,318.95 in restitution (refund of unearned salaries) and GHS 20,000 as reparation (penalty). This plea bargain was approved by the Tamale High Court, thereby convicting them of the 22 charges levelled against them.
This case marks the first in a series of prosecutions arising from a joint forensic audit conducted by the OSP and the Controller and Accountant General’s Department (CAGD) into Government Payroll Administration covering the Northern Region only. The audit was undertaken in accordance with Regulation 31(1)(a) and (g) of the OSP (Operations) Regulations, 2018 (L.I. 2374), which empowers the OSP to prevent corruption through risk analysis and the publication of detected corrupt practices
The investigation uncovered unearned monthly salaries amounting to GHS2,854,144.80, paid to individuals who were deceased, retired, had vacated their posts, were flagged as missing staff, or whose whereabouts were unknown. The subsequent removal of these ghost names from the payroll has saved the Republic GHS34,249,737.60 for the 2024 financial year alone, with future savings projected annually due to the intervention.
Acquittals (full trial)
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Indicator Definition : These are cases where the accused person(s) are acquitted by the Courts.
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Justification : The duty of a public Prosecutor is not merely to secure the conviction of the accused at all costs but to place before the court whatever evidence is in the possession of the prosecution, whether it be in favour of or against the accused and to leave the court to decide.
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2025
D13/01/22: The Republic V Alexander Kwabena Sarfo-Kantanka
The High Court in Kumasi has acquitted and discharged Alexander Kwabena Sarfo-Kantanka, President Akufo-Addo’s nominee for Municipal Chief Executive of Juaben in the Ashanti Region. He had been standing trial since May 2022 on 26 counts of corruption related to a public election.
Mr Sarfo-Kantanka gained national attention after a viral video appeared to show him demanding refunds from assembly members, allegedly after paying them to support his confirmation. The judgment, initially expected in November 2024, was delayed following the sudden transfer of the trial judge. It was eventually delivered in May 2025.
In her ruling, Justice Priscilla Dikro Ofori held that the video and accompanying evidence failed to prove that the monies were meant to influence the votes of the assembly members.
The Office has filed an appeal challenging the decision of the High Court in Kumasi.
6. No case submission upheld
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Indicator Definition : TThis indicator measures the total number of corruption and corruption-related criminal cases in which the court upholds a no-case submission made by the defence during the reporting period. A no-case submission is upheld where the court determines that the prosecution has failed to establish sufficient evidence requiring the accused person to open a defence.
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Justification : The indicator tracks corruption-related cases terminated following upheld no-case submissions and helps assess the adequacy of prosecutorial evidence and case preparation.
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2021
The Republic v Mahama Ayariga & 6 Ors
The Member of Parliament for Bawku Central, Mahama Ayariga and six (6) others were charged on 5 May 2019 for procurement infractions in the importation of an ambulance for the Bawku Municipality in the Upper East Region of the country.
The other accused persons included current (at the time) and former officials of the Bawku Municipal Assembly; thus Hajia Hawa Ninchema, Sumaila Ewuntomah Abudu, Alex Vadze, Alhaji Abdul-Mumuni Jesewunde, Mary-Stella Adapesa, Mumuni Yakubu Nambe. They were charged with breaches of Sections 43(1) and 92(1) of the Public Procurement Act, 2003 (As Amended) Act 663 and abetment of the offence contrary to Section 20(1) of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29).
The accused persons were all acquitted and discharged on 7 May 2021.
Justification:
Discontinuances
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Indicator Definition : These are cases where the prosecutor no longer finds it viable to continue the prosecution. The prosecutor would file a nolle prosequi to stop the case.
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Justification : The evolution of prosecution may take different turns, often occasioned by new evidence or interpretation of existing evidence. Under such circumstances, the prosecutor may re-evaluate the viability of the case.
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2019
MSFT/23/2019 The Republic v. Mahama Ayariga & Another
This case was pending before the High Court, Financial Division, Accra against the Member of Parliament for Bawku Central and another. The Special Prosecutor entered a nolle prosequi on 11 October 2021.
The Special Prosecutor explained to the Court that upon further scrutiny of the available evidence the Republic would be unable to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt on the allegation of abuse of public office for private gain.
Procedural dismissals
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Indicator Definition : This indicator measures the total number of corruption and corruption-related criminal cases that are dismissed by the courts during prosecution due to procedural, technical, or legal deficiencies within the reporting period.
Such dismissals may arise from issues including lack of jurisdiction, defective charges, non-compliance with procedural requirements, failure to prosecute, inadmissibility of evidence, or breaches of due process. -
Justification : The indicator tracks corruption-related cases dismissed on procedural grounds and helps assess prosecutorial quality, procedural compliance, and systemic weaknesses affecting successful case adjudication.
There are no cases that were dismissed on the basis of procedure.
Number of civil applications involving OSP pending before the courts
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Indicator Definition : Civil cases refer to proceedings between individuals or entities concerning the enforcement of rights, obligations, or claims for damages in which the Office is a party.
They also encompass interlocutory applications instituted by the Office to obtain judicial confirmation of its administrative seizure or freezing of assets belonging to suspects, together with any appeals arising therefrom. -
Justification : The Office of the Special Prosecutor is a legal person in law and may sue or be sued in its corporate name.
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2026
MR. CHRISTIAN TETTEH SOTTIE & DR. ISAAC CRENTSIL vs. THE SPECIAL PROSECUTOR AND THE ATTORNEY GENERAL
Court : Human Rights Court
Suit No. : HR/0010/2026
Brief: -
An Application for the Enforcement of Fundamental Human Rights of the Applicants under Article 33 of the 1992 Constitution and Order 67 of C.I 47 on 20 October 2025. The Applicants in their Affidavit in support stated that their detention by the 1st Respondent was unjustified, unlawful, and calculated to humiliate and to subject the 1st and 2nd Respondent to psychological distress and trauma among other claims.
On 4 November 2025, the 1st Respondent filed an Affidavit in Answer to the Application for the Enforcement of Fundamental Human Rights.
Subsequently, the 2nd Respondent wrote a letter of Request for Comments to the 1st Respondent. The OSP wrote a letter with attachments on 17 November 2025 in response to the request letter by the Office of the Attorney General.
PAUL ADOM-OTCHERE vs. OFFICE OF THE SPECIAL PROSECUTOR
Suit No. : GJ/0068/2026
Brief: -
The Applicant, Paul Adom-Otchere filed an Application for Judicial Review on 23 October 2025. In the Affidavit in support, the Applicant claimed that the curtailment of his liberties by the officers of the Respondent as a result of his failure to fill the Property and Income Declaration Forms issued to him were illegal and an assault on his fundamental human rights.
The Respondent filed an Affidavit in Response to the motion for Application for Judicial Review on 3 November 2025. On 11 November 2025, the lawyer for the Applicant filed a notice of withdrawal as lawyer for Applicant
Subsequently, a notice of appointment as Solicitor was filed by the Applicant on 13 November 2025. On 13 November 2025, the Applicant filed a notice of discontinuance discontinuing the action without liberty to re-apply.
DR. MUSTAPHA ABDUL HAMID vs THE OFFICE OF THE SPECIAL PROSECUTOR
Suit No. : GJ/0139/2026
Brief: -
A writ of summons issued on 12 November 2025 was served on the Defendant (OSP) by the Plaintiff, Dr. Mustapha Hamid. The statement of claim accompanying the writ stated that, the Defendant through the Special Prosecutor held a media briefing concerning investigations the office had commenced in respect of an alleged GH₵1.3 billion embezzlement from the Unified Petroleum Price Fund (UPPF) at the National Petroleum Authority (NPA).
The Plaintiff claims that the statement made by the Defendant that he is linked to the said embezzlement is false and unjustified. The Plaintiff stated further that, the Defendant has failed to withdraw the said statement and is therefore seeking an order of perpetual injunction restraining the defendant, agents or whosoever from making any further defamatory statements. The Plaintiff is also seeking for Twenty Million Ghana Cedis (GH₵20,000,000) by way of damages for defamation.
The Defendant entered a conditional appearance and filed a Statement of Defence on 4 December 2025 denying the claims of the Plaintiff. No action has been taken afterwards.
THE REPUBLIC vs. THE SPECIAL PROSECUTOR EX PARTE KINGS ENERGY LTD, KEL LOGISTICS, KWAKU ABOAGYE ACQUAH & ALBERT ANKRAH.
Court : High Court
Suit No. : GJ/0196/2026
Brief: -
This is an Originating motion invoking the supervisory jurisdiction of the High Court. This application was filed by the applicant praying the court for an order of certiorari to quash the unlawful demand of the respondent requesting the applicant to declare their property and income contrary to section 47 (1) of Act 959 and an order of injunction restraining the respondent whether by his agents, assigns, representative or whomsoever from harassing the applicants and demanding compliance with his unlawful directive.
The Plaintiff claims that the statement made by the Defendant that he is linked to the said eThe applicants are under investigation for corruption and corruption-related offences. The respondent/Office of the Special Prosecutor filed an affidavit in response dated 9 December 2025 to the application on ground, that the applicant’s claims /arguments are flawed and the judicial review application is substantially baseless and hence ought to be dismissed.
NOAH EPHRAIM TETTEH ADAMTEY vs. THE ATTORNEY GENERAL AND OFFICE OF THE SPECIAL PROSECUTOR. (SUIT NO. )
Suit No. : J8/67/2026
Brief: -
This is a writ filed on 8 December 2025 seeking to invoke the original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court for a declaration that on a true and proper interpretation of Article 1(2), 88, 93(2) and 296 of the 1992 Constitution, prosecutorial authority in Ghana is vested in the Attorney General and cannot be exercised independently of, or in parallel with the Attorney General. Thus, the prosecutorial authority on the office of the Special Prosecutor is inconsistent with and in contravention of the constitution and is therefore null and void. The OSP was initially not a party. On 15 December 2025, the Office filed a motion on notice for joinder to be a party to the suit in order to be heard in the proceedings in which judgement is sought to be obtained and, on the issues, raised. The Plaintiff filed an affidavit in opposition to the motion for joinder on the basis that it is unnecessary and constitutionally improper to join the OSP.
KENNETH NANA YAW OFORI-ATTA vs THE OFFICE OF THE SPECIAL PROSECUTOR AND KISSI AGYEBENG
Suit No. : GJ/ 0199/ 2026
Brief: -
This is a defamation suit filed by Kenneth Nana Yaw Ofori- Atta (Plaintiff) on the 2 December 2025 against the Office and the Special Prosecutor. This suit is founded on the press conference held by the Special Prosecutor on 30 October 2025 under the heading “Office of the Special Prosecutor Investigation Report: Contractual Arrangements Involving Ministry of Finance, Ghana Revenue Authority, and Strategic Mobilization Ghana Limited".
The Plaintiff alleges that certain statements made by the Special Prosecutor were defamatory. However, most of the averments of the Plaintiff disclose no reasonable cause of action against the Defendant. On 6 January 2026, the Defendants filed a motion to strike out those paragraphs as disclosing no reasonable cause of action.
STRATEGIC MOBILIZATION GHANA LIMITED vs THE OFFICE OF THE SPECIAL PROSECUTOR
Suit No. : GJ/0123/2026
Brief: -
A writ of summons issued on 10 November 2025 was served on the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) by Strategic Mobilization Ghana Limited (SML). The statement of claim stated that the Defendant mishandled their seized computerized environment including servers, firmware, firewalls and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) components.
They also stated that acts of the OSP violated both nationally and internationally recognized standards on chain of custody, forensic imaging, evidence preservation, and the handling of digital systems.
The Plaintiff further stated that the seizure and handling procedures were not executed to preserve evidence but formed part of a preconceived plan to inflict operational harm, compromise proprietary systems, and destroy the Plaintiff’s technical environment.
The plaintiff further stated that the conduct of the Defendant amounted to unlawful seizure of property, abuse of statutory power, and a gross violation of the privacy rights of plaintiff.
On 14 November 2025, the Defendant entered conditional appearance to the Plaintiff’s writ of Summons. Subsequently, the Defendant filed a statement of Defence on 28 November 2025. The Defendant replied to the Defendant’s statement of Defence on 10 December 2025.
THE REPUBLIC vs THE SPECIAL PROSECUTOR EX PARTE; PROPNEST LIMITED AND BRIGHT BEDIAKO MENSAH.
Suit No. : GJ/0171/2026
Brief: -
This is an Originating Motion on Notice for orders of Judicial review against the respondent (Special Prosecutor). This application is premised on an application of confirmation of freezing filed on 22 August 2025 against the first applicant and other respondents. This review application was based on grounds that the respondent does not have the legal mandate to compel the applicants to declare assets in the absence of a court order and that the respondent exceeded his jurisdiction when his officers directed the applicants to complete the forms. The applicant stated further that the respondent cannot commence criminal prosecution for the applicant’s non-compliance with its unlawful demands.
The respondent filed an affidavit in response dated 21 December 2025 in response to the said application on the basis that, the applicant’s claims are legally flawed and same ought to be dismissed.
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2025
KENNETH NANA YAW OFORI-ATTA vs OFFICE OF THE SPECIAL PROSECUTOR & KISSI AGYEBENG
Court : Court of Appeal
Suit No. : HR/0518/25
Brief: -
This an appeal filed by the appellant, Kenneth Nana Yaw Ofori- Atta, following the dismissal of his application for an interlocutory order on 18 June 2025. The appellant has filed his written submissions in support of the appeal on 13 November 2025. The respondents subsequently filed their written submissions in response on 4 December 2025. The appellant thereafter filed a reply to the respondents’ written submissions on 12 December 2025.
KENNETH NANA YAW OFORI ATTA vs THE OSP AND KISSI AGYEBENG
Court : Court of Appeal
Suit No. : --
Brief: -
This is an Appeal of a ruling of the High Court; Human Rights 1 presided over by his lordship Justice Kwame Amoako and dated 25 November. The Applicant (Kenneth Nana Yaw Ofori Atta) being aggrieved by the ruling appealed to the Court of Appeal on grounds that, the court improperly exercised its discretion to dismiss the motion on notice for discovery of documents filed on 9 September by the applicant. The applicant also sought for the court to set aside the said ruling. Submissions are yet to be filed.
JACOB KWAMINA AMUAH vs. KWABENA ADJEI-BOAHENE AND 4 0RS
Court : Court of Appeal
Suit No. : HR/0157/2025
Brief: -
Jacob Kwamina Amuah (Applicant) invoked the jurisdiction of the High Court on 14 August 2025 by filing a Motion on Notice for the Protection of the Fundamental Human Rights of the Applicant Specifically, the Applicant’s Right to Protection of Personal Liberty, Freedom of Movement and Right to Fair Trial.
The OSP (4th Respondent) filed an Affidavit in answer to the above-mentioned motion on 17 October 2025. Kwabena Agyei-Boahene (1st Respondent) also filed an Affidavit in Opposition to the motion on 5 November 2025. On 11 December 2025, the Applicant filed a motion on notice for leave to file a further affidavit pursuant to Order 67 Rule 4(3) of C.I. 47.
KWAKU ABOAGYE ACQUAAH vs EMMANUEL BASINTALE AND 3 0RS
Suit No. : HR/O108/2025
Brief: -
Kwaku Aboagye Acquaah (Applicant) invoked the jurisdiction of the High Court on 27 May 2025 by filing a Motion on Notice for the Protection of the Fundamental Human Rights of the Applicant Specifically, the Applicant’s Right to Protection of Personal Liberty and Freedom of Movement.
The Respondents filed an Affidavit in answer to the above-mentioned motion on 11 July 2025. No action has been taken afterwards.
BRIGHT BEDIAKO MENSAH vs EMMANUEL BASINTALE AMADU AND 3 ORS.
Court : High Court
Suit No. : HR/0108/2025
Brief: -
Bright Bediako Mensah (Applicant) invoked the jurisdiction of the High Court on 27 May 2025 by filing a Motion on Notice for the Protection of the Fundamental Human Rights of the Applicant Specifically, the Applicant’s Right to Protection of Personal Liberty and Freedom of Movement.
The Respondents filed an Affidavit in answer to the above-mentioned motion on 17 June 2025. On the 28 July 2025 the Respondents filed a motion on notice for leave to file a Supplementary Affidavit, the motion was heard on 14 August 2025, and leave was granted to the Respondents to file the Supplementary Affidavit. The Respondents filed the supplementary Affidavit on 19 August 2025.
The Attorney General also filed its Affidavit in answer to the said motion on 20 October 2025.
CHARLES BISSUE vs. OFFICE OF THE SPECIAL PROSECUTOR
Court : Human Rights Court
Suit No. : H3/458/2025
Brief: -
On 24 April 2025, the Appellant, Charles Bissue filed an application at the Court of Appeal for Extension of time within which to file an Appeal the judgment of the High Court, Human Rights, Court 2, Coram Nana Brew J. dated 7 November 2024, dismissing the Appellant’s Human Rights Application. The 1st Interested Party filed an affidavit in opposition to the Applicant’s motion for Extension of Time within which to file the Appeal on 2 June 2025. The Court of Appeal granted the application for extension of time to appeal.
KENNETH NANA YAW OFORI-ATTA vs. THE OFFICE OF THE SPECIAL PROSECUTOR AND KISSI AGYEBENG
Court : Human Rights Court
Suit No. :HR/0078/2025
Brief: -
On 13 March 2025, the Applicant invoked the jurisdiction of the High Court by filing an Originating Motion on Notice, alleging violations of his fundamental human rights by the Respondents. Pending the determination of the substantive suit, the Applicant filed a Motion on Notice for interlocutory reliefs on 26 March 2025. By a ruling dated 18 June 2025, the High Court dismissed the application for interlocutory orders.
Subsequently, the Applicant filed two further applications:
(a) a Motion on Notice for Discovery filed on 11 June 2025; and
(b) a Motion for Leave to Amend the Originating Motion on Notice filed on 14 July 2025.
The High Court dismissed the application for discoveries by a ruling, which decision is being appealed by Kenneth Ofori-Atta to the Court of Appeal.
The matter has been adjourned to 26 January 2025 for a ruling on the motion seeking leave to amend the Originating Motion on Notice.
THE SPECIAL PROSECUTOR V. KEL LOGISTICS LIMITED
Suit No. : FT/0055/2025
Brief: -
This is an appeal against the judgment of the High Court, which dismissed the appellant’s Human Rights action seeking to set aside a purported warrant obtained by the OSP for his arrest.
KENNETH NANA YAW OFORI-ATTA V. OSP & KISSI AGYEBENG ESQ.
(Motion on Notice for Discovery of Documents Pursuant to Order 21 Rule 9 of C.I 47)
Court : Human Rights Court
Suit No. :CR/0679/2025
Brief: -
This is an application filed by Kenneth Ofori-Atta on 11/6/2025 seeking an order compelling the OSP to produce copies of the following documents to him:
a) Motion filed by OSP for the issuance of his arrest warrant
b) Copy of affidavit filed by OSP for the issuance of the warrant
c) Copy of counterfoils of arrest warrants immediately before the arrest warrant of Kenneth Ofori-Atta
d) Copy of counterfoils of arrest warrants immediately after arrest warrant of Kenneth Ofori-Atta
KENNETH NANA YAW OFORI-ATTA V. OSP & KISSI AGYEBENG ESQ.
> (Motion on Notice for Leave to Amend Originating Motion )
Court :Human Rights Court
Suit No. :HR/0078/2025
Brief: -
This is an application filed by Kenneth Ofori-Atta on 14/07/2025 seeking leave to amend his originating Motion.
OFFICE OF SPECIAL PROSECUTOR V. (1) KEL LOGISTICS LIMITED, (2) KINGS ENERGY LIMITED, (3) PROPNEST LIMITED
Suit No. :FT/0075/2025
Brief: -
This is an application filed by the OSP on 22/8/2025 seeking an order for confirmation of freezing of bank accounts belonging to the respondents.
THE SPECIAL PROSECUTOR V. ABUBAR MUSAH ALIA
Court :Criminal Court
Suit No. :CR/0666/2025
Brief: -
This is an application filed by OSP on 18/08/2025 for Forfeiture of Recognisance for breach of bail conditions by suspect Scholasticus Kwaw Adjei. The respondent stood surety for the said Scholasticus, who has absconded and is currently in the USA.
THE SPECIAL PROSECUTOR V. NEWTON EMMANUEL
Court : Criminal Court
Suit No. :CR/0690/2025
Brief: -
This is an application filed by the OSP on 28/8/2025 seeking a warrant to gain access to the respondent’s mobile device to retrieve information.
Number of Complaints Received and Screened
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Indicator Definition : This refers to the total number of corruption complaints received via the OSP’s corruption reporting platforms (including walk-ins)
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Justification : This indicator is critical for measuring the accessibility and responsiveness of the OSP to corruption and corruption-related concerns. Tracking the number of complaints received demonstrates the level of public trust and willingness of citizens, institutions, and stakeholders to report suspected corruption. Screening data, on the other hand, reflects the OSP’s efficiency in assessing the credibility, relevance, and legal sufficiency of complaints before further investigation.
Proportions of Investigations Concluded by Outcome
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Indicator Definition : Proportion of Investigations Concluded by Outcome measures the percentage of investigations completed by the OSP within a given period, disaggregated by their results (e.g., prosecution, referral to another agency, administrative sanction, dismissal, or closure for lack of evidence).
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Justification : This indicator captures the effectiveness and efficiency of the OSP’s investigative function. By showing not only how many investigations are concluded but also the outcomes, it provides a balanced picture of accountability and impact.
Number of systemic reforms triggered by OSP investigative findings
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Indicator Definition : Number of Systemic Reforms Triggered by OSP Investigative Findings refers to the count of policy changes, institutional reforms, legislative amendments, or administrative measures adopted by government bodies, public institutions, or private entities as a direct result of recommendations, evidence, or insights generated from OSP investigations.
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Justification : This indicator measures the broader impact of the OSP beyond prosecutions by tracking how investigative findings lead to structural changes that reduce corruption vulnerabilities. It highlights the OSP’s contribution to preventive anti-corruption measures, institutional strengthening, and policy development.
Agyapa Royalties
On 14 August 2020 Parliament approved five (5) Agreements and tax exemptions in relation to the Gold Royalties Monetization Transaction under the Minerals Income Investment Fund Act, 2018 (Act 978). These Agreements are variously referred to as the Agyapa Royalties Agreements. Under the Agreements, Ghana was proposing to sell almost 76 per cent of its future receipts from gold royalties to a special corporate vehicle in the British overseas territory of Jersey, a tax haven and secrecy jurisdiction. Ghana would own 51 per cent of the Jersey-based company Agyapa Royalties and the remaining shares would be listed on the London Stock Exchange. In return for handing over such a large share of their future revenues, the government argued that it could raise US$500 million in capital. The approval of these Agreements by Parliament within 24 hours was a concern for civil society, prompting a suspension of the deal while the OSP undertook a corruption risk assessment.
The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) released its Corruption Risk Assessment Report on the Agyapa Royalties Agreements on 15 October 2020. The Report concluded that the Government of Ghana’s attempt to monetize future gold royalties through the Agyapa transaction was characterized by significant corruption risks. The report particularly criticized the procurement and selection processes for transaction advisors and service providers, especially the role of Imara Corporate Finance and Databank. It identified reasonable suspicion of bid rigging, conflicts of interest, cronyism, favoritism, and potential illicit financial flows and money laundering risks. The Ministry of Finance was found to have unlawfully delegated procurement and appointment powers to transaction advisors in contravention of the Public Procurement Act and the Public Financial Management Act.
The report recommended a reconsideration of the transaction and stressed the need for stronger transparency, parliamentary oversight, and adherence to constitutional and procurement safeguards in future natural resource transactions.
Following the OSP’s Corruption Risk Assessment, the entire Agyapa Royalties Agreements was entirely withdrawn.
Labianca
The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) investigated a November 2021 complaint alleging corrupt dealings between Labianca Company Limited and the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA).
It was found that Deputy Commissioner for Customs, Mr. Joseph Adu Kyei, unlawfully issued a customs advance ruling reducing import benchmark values by 5–10% in favour of Labianca and Rafano Frozen Foods Company Limited. This ruling was granted despite the applicants failing to meet the mandatory legal requirements under Section 12 of the Customs Act, 2015 (Act 891). The OSP found that the justifications offered by Mr. Adu Kyei — a 2018 internal letter and World Customs Organization guidelines — were legally untenable and could not serve as valid bases for the ruling. Commissioner Colonel (Rtd.) Kwadwo Damoah tacitly approved the ruling despite acknowledging its irregularity, pointing to a broader culture of impropriety within the Customs Division.
The OSP found strong evidence that the ruling was procured through influence peddling by Ms. Eunice Jacqueline Buah Asomah-Hinneh, the beneficial owner of Labianca, who leveraged her positions as a Council of State member and Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority board member — qualifying her as a politically exposed person.
The unlawful ruling caused a government revenue shortfall of GHC1,074,627.15 across 531 import declarations. Labianca was directed to repay this amount and complied in March 2022.
The OSP directed a wider investigation into customs advance rulings and benchmark value markdowns between July 2017 and December 2021 and ordered the GRA Commissioner-General to submit an Integrity Plan by December 2022. In response, the GRA submitted a suite of revised and newly designed integrity and operational documents in March 2023, including: the GRA Integrity Policy, Policy and Procedures on Advance Rulings, Standard Operating Procedures on Advance Rulings, Integrity Plan Framework, and the Code of Ethics.
Further, the Office notes that following its various investigations and interventions at the Customs Division, Parliament has reversed the discretionary discount on the free on board or freight on board (FOB) value of goods and the home delivery value (HDV) of used vehicles. The new policy effectively shuts all avenues for officers of the Customs Division to grant discretionary markdowns and removes opportunity for corruption and corruption-related activities.
Government of Ghana Payroll 1
The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), in collaboration with the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department (CAGD), conducted a corruption risk assessment and investigation into Government of Ghana payroll administration to identify and eliminate “ghost names,” recover unearned salaries, and strengthen payroll controls. The first phase of this investigation focused on the Northern Region, specifically educational institutions under the Ghana Education Service (GES) and the Tamale Teaching Hospital.
The investigation revealed serious weaknesses in the payroll validation system. The OSP and CAGD found widespread use of unauthorized and inactive validator credentials, including those belonging to deceased, retired, or transferred officers. In many cases, management units continued validating staff who had retired, vacated their posts, or whose whereabouts were unknown. The report also discovered that some schools lacked proper management structures for staff validation, causing unreliable oversight and payroll verification processes. Most alarmingly, investigators uncovered a completely non-existent school in the Kumbungu District that had been fraudulently represented as an operational institution, with fictitious staff validated monthly and paid salaries from the government payroll.
As part of the exercise, 1,265 high-risk payroll entries were investigated. Of these, 1,020 individuals were verified and restored to the payroll after their salaries had initially been blocked for investigation. However, the investigation traced GHS2.85 million in unearned salaries paid to deceased persons, retirees, missing staff, and persons who had vacated their posts. By freezing these payments and removing the affected names from the payroll system, the OSP and CAGD estimated savings of over GHS34.2 million for the 2024 financial year alone, with further recurring savings expected in subsequent years.
This corruption risk assessment cum investigation effectively removed 245 ghost employees from government payroll and closed the loopholes in the payment verification system, preventing future “ghosts” from obtaining salaries.
Government of Ghana Payroll 2
In May 2025, the OSP completed its first prosecution under the OSP's joint payroll fraud investigation with the Controller and Accountant General's Department, which commenced in November 2023. The broader investigation targets ghost names and undeserving persons on government payroll across the Ghana Education Service and Ghana Health Service.
Six (6) persons were charged before the High Court in Tamale in March 2025 on 22 counts covering corruption by public officers, false certification, and causing financial loss to the State. All six entered guilty pleas through a plea bargain and were convicted on 30 April 2025. In accordance with section 71(7) of Act 959, the Court ordered the accused persons to pay restitution of GHS86,318.95 and reparation of GHS20,000 to the State. The accused also agreed to provide information on other corruption offences. By 9 May 2025, the full amount of GHS106,319.64 had been recovered.
The prosecution of the six persons recovered money lost to the state. It also serves as deterrence to all persons involved in bloating government payroll with ghost workers or contemplating joining such criminal enterprises.
SML (Strategic Mobilization Ghana Limited)
The OSP investigation, concluded in October 2025, examined contractual arrangements between the Ministry of Finance (MoF), the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), and Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML) following a complaint by investigative journalists at The Fourth Estate.
The OSP found that SML — incorporated in February 2017 by timber merchant Evans Adusei with no relevant expertise — was unlawfully inserted into Ghana’s revenue assurance framework through a coordinated conspiracy led principally by then-Minister of Finance Kenneth Ofori-Atta. The company had been serially rejected three times by the Public Procurement Authority (PPA) in 2017 for lack of capacity, before simply changing its name from SMEL to SML and being awarded contracts anyway — bypassing statutory procurement requirements entirely.
All major contracts awarded to SML lacked mandatory PPA prior approval, Parliamentary authorization, and GRA Board approval. An existing legitimate service provider, West Blue Ghana Limited, was forcibly displaced and its mandate unlawfully handed over to SML. Payments to SML were made automatically, without SML submitting invoice or verified work report, causing colossal financial loss to the Republic. By December 2024, SML had been paid a total of GHS1,436,249,828.53.
SML delivered little to no real value. It lacked the skill, tools, and systems to perform transaction audit, external price verification, or downstream petroleum metering services. Its metering equipment was unsuitable for several depots, its readings were unreliable, and it was unable to integrate into established government systems (ICUMS and ERDMS). Its downstream petroleum role duplicated services already performed satisfactorily by the National Petroleum Authority.
The OSP announced charges against six individuals including Ofori-Atta, two former GRA Commissioners-General, and two former Customs Commissioners. The OSP also sought to recover GHS125,000,000 from SML as disgorgement of unjust enrichment, alongside recovery of the full financial loss from the accused officials.
Following the OSP’s investigative report, President John Mahama directed the immediate termination of all contracts between the Government of Ghana and Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML).
LCB Worldwide Ghana Limited
In October 2025 the Office of the Special Prosecutor’s (OSP) undertook a Corruption Risk Assessment into the Ghana Health Service (GHS) contract with LCB Worldwide Ghana Limited identified significant corruption, procurement, governance, and public financial management risks associated with the nationwide port and border disinfection arrangement. The report found that the agreement effectively granted LCB an exclusive long-term monopoly over disinfection services at Ghana’s ports, airports, and borders through a concession-style arrangement that lacked sufficient competitive safeguards and transparency. The OSP expressed concern that the contract structure allowed a private company to exercise control over the collection and custody of statutory-style fees outside normal public financial management systems, thereby creating risks of off-budget revenue flows, weak accountability, and potential abuse.
The financial review of LCB’s operations between 2018 and 2024 showed significant revenue growth: cumulative collections exceeded GH¢ 1 billion, yet GHS revenues were not retained, and over GH¢175 million in unpaid taxes and levies were identified (VAT, WHT, NHIL, GETFund, Covid Levy, CIT). Furthermore, loans and related party liabilities expanded without transparent disclosures, heightening the risk of diversion, misreporting, and collusion.
The assessment further highlighted vulnerabilities including sole-sourcing, inadequate systems integration, reliance on self-reporting by LCB, weak reconciliation mechanisms, lack of transparency in fee structures, and limited user grievance mechanisms. It warned that the arrangement exposed the state to risks of rent-seeking, tax under-declaration, regulatory capture, and conflicts between public health obligations and commercial interests.
The report recommended extensive reforms, including restructuring the arrangement into a competitively procured public-authority model, ensuring that all fees are fixed by Parliament and paid into public accounts, eliminating exclusivity clauses, strengthening audits and digital integration, and introducing stronger regulatory oversight and transparency safeguards.
Consequently, the OSP directed, inter alia, the immediate suspension of all disbursements pending a forensic audit; immediate cessation of private custody and retention of fees and revenue; and the preservation and recovery of taxes and Ghana Revenue Authority oversight in respect of tax obligations.
The OSP further directed Ghana Health Service to submit an Integrity Plan to the Office, detailing corrective steps taken and systematic re-organisation and controls of the ports of entry and exit disinfection programme to be undertaken to prevent corruption, assure transparency and accountability.
The intervention by the OSP has saved the Republic an estimated sum of GHS345,000,000.00
Number of Complaints Proceeding to Full Investigation
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Indicator Definition : Number of Complaints Proceeding to Full Investigation refers to the count of corruption and corruption-related complaints and reports that, after preliminary screening and assessment, are deemed credible, legally sufficient, and within the OSP’s mandate, and are therefore advanced to the stage of formal investigation.
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Justification : This indicator measures the effectiveness of the OSP’s screening and case selection process. It reflects the proportion of complaints that meet the legal and evidentiary threshold required for full investigation, ensuring that resources are devoted to actionable cases.
Case That Led to Prosecution / Administrative Action
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Indicator Definition : Cases that led to prosecution or administrative action refers to the number of investigated corruption-related cases that resulted in a formal prosecutorial decision to file charges in court, or a non-judicial enforcement outcome such as administrative sanctions, disciplinary proceedings, or regulatory corrective action, within a defined reporting period.
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Justification : This indicator measures how effectively investigations translate into enforcement outcomes, either through prosecution or administrative action, thereby capturing whether investigated corruption cases lead to meaningful consequences.
It reflects the system-wide accountability impact of anti-corruption work by recognising both criminal and non-criminal resolutions, including disciplinary sanctions and regulatory corrective measures where appropriate.
It also provides insight into investigative quality and evidentiary readiness, supports resource allocation decisions across investigative, prosecutorial, and administrative functions, and enhances transparency by demonstrating full-spectrum accountability beyond court-based prosecutions.
| SN | CASES |
|---|---|
| 1 | The Republic v Mahama Ayariga & Kenerick Akwasi Marfo** |
| 2 | The Republic v Hajia Hawa Ninchema, Sumaila Ewuntomah Abudu, Alex Avade, Alhaji Abdul Mumuni Jesewunde, Mary-Stella Adapesa, Mumuni Yakubu Nambe, Mahama Ayariga** |
| 3 | The Republic v. Adjenim Boateng Adjei** |
| 4 | Juaben MCE Nominee (The Republic v Alexander Kwabena Sarfo-Kantanka)** |
| 5 | Northern Development Authority (The Republic v. Sumaila Abdul-Rahman; Stephen Yir-Eru Engmen; Patrick Seidu; and Andrew Kuundaari)** |
| 6 | The Republic v. Charles Cromwell Nanabanyin Onuawonto Bissue; Raphael Mensah; Dr. Naa Dedei Tagoe** |
| 7 | Tema Port Rice Scandal (The Republic v. Issah Seidu, James Keck Osei, John Abban and Peter Archibald Hyde)** |
| 8 | Strategic Mobilization Ghana Limited/Ghana Revenue Authority (The Republic v. Kenneth Nana Yaw Ofori-Atta & 7 ors)** |
| 9 | GES Recruitment Scandal (The Republic v. Ibrahim Kofi Sessah & Gloria Acquah)** |
| 10 | Labianca Company Limited and Customs Division of Ghana Revenue Authority** |
| 11 | Cecilia Abena Dapaah |
| 12 | Agri-Plus Horizon Farms Limited |
| 13 | Hon. Samuel Atta Akyea |
| 14 | Airbus SE |
| 15 | Ghana Police Service |
| 16 | Charles Adu Boahen |
| 17 | Wealthy Businessman |
| 18 | Government of Ghana Payroll Administration (The Republic v. Yakubu Tahidu & 5 ors)** |
| 19 | Unified Petroleum Pricing Fund (The Republic V. Mustapha Abdul-Hamid & 9 ors)** |
| 20 | Ghana Health Service and LCB Worldwide Ghana Ltd** |
| 21 | The Evatex Logistics - GACL Contract** |
| 22 | Agyapa Royalties Deal** |
| 23 | Gaming Commission** |
| 24 | Tema Oil Refinery - Torentco Deal** |
** cases that led to prosecution or administrative action
Number of Investigations Finalised
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Indicator Definition : Investigations concluded refers to cases that have been brought to their logical conclusion by the Investigations team in charge, and the case officially closed.
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Justification : The percentage of concluded investigations is an indication of the efficiency and effectiveness of the OSP’s investigative effort.
Number of Special Reports Published
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Indicator Definition : Number of Special Reports Published refers to the total count of analytical or investigative reports formally issued by the OSP within a reporting period. These include reports on systemic corruption risks, findings from complex or novel investigations, and matters of extreme public interest requiring transparency beyond routine casework.
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Justification : This indicator demonstrates the OSP’s role in shaping public discourse and influencing institutional reforms through evidence-based reporting. Publishing special reports enhances transparency, educates stakeholders on corruption vulnerabilities, and fosters accountability by bringing high-impact cases and systemic risks to light.
| SN | Report Title | YEAR |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ghana Health Services and LCB Worldwide Ghana Limited | 2025 |
| 2 | Strategic Mobilization Ghana Limited (SML) | 2025 |
| 3 | Government of Ghana Payroll Administration (Phase 1 Vol. 1 sub I Prosecution) | 2025 |
| 4 | Airbus SE | 2024 |
| 5 | Government of Ghana Payroll Administration (Phase 1 Vol. 1) | 2024 |
| 6 | Majority Caucus Parliament | 2023 |
| 7 | Charles Adu Boahen | 2023 |
| 8 | Northern Development Authority and A&QS Consortium Limited | 2023 |
| 9 | Labianca & Customs | 2022 |
| 10 | Agyapa Royalties Transaction | 2020 |
Value of Assets Recovered
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Indicator Definition : The value of assets seized comprises movable assets, including cash, vehicles, and equipment, and immovable assets, such as land and buildings.
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Justification : Recovery of the proceeds of crime is an object of the OSP.
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2025
Petroleum Product Diversion Investigations
The Office recovered Eight Million Five Hundred and Eighteen Thousand Two Hundred and Thirty-Three Cedis (GH 8,518,233.00) in respect of investigation regarding diversion of petroleum products that were lifted in 2023 and 2024 by the following entities:
Big Energy, Energetic Petroleum, Goodness Energy, Jet Petroleum, Kabore Oil, La Clem Ghana, Maxx Energy, Moari Oil Company, N3, Naagamni Ghana Ltd., Onxyma Company, Petro Sankofa, Plus Energy, Quantum Petroleum, Sotei Energy, West Port Petroleum.
Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF)
After investigations into irregularities in the MIIF gold trading programme, the OSP successfully recovered USD 2 million (approximately GHS 22.38 million) for the State. Bank of Ghana Interbank Exchange rate ( USD 1 = GHS 11.19) as of 26 Nov 2025 was used
CR/04/07/2025 The Republic V Charles Bissue & Andy Thomas Owusu
The High Court in Accra on 4 June 2025 convicted Thomas Andy Owusu in a corruption case tied to illegal mining licensing.The High Court convicted the second accused, Thomas Andy Owusu, in a corruption case related to illegal mining licensing.
The accused admitted the charges of Corruption of a public officer and Accepting Bribe to influence a public officer. Under the agreement he will pay a total amount of GHS 206,000. This amount is made up of a fine of 500 penalty units (GHS 6,000) and restitution of GHS 200,000.
NR/TL/HC/CC1/2/25 The Republic V Yakubu & 5 Ors
The six accused persons in this case opted for a plea bargain, which was approved by the Tamale High Court.
The accused persons admitted the charges and have paid a total of GHS 106,318.95, made up of GHS 86,318.95 in restitution (refund of unearned salaries) and GHS 20,000 as reparation (penalty). -
2024
Payroll Investigation
In 2024, the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), working with the Controller and Accountant General’s Department (CAGD), conducted a corruption risk assessment into Government Payroll Administration in the Northern Region.
The investigation uncovered “ghost names” – salaries being paid to deceased, retired, missing, or ineligible persons. In January 2024, the OSP blocked unearned monthly salaries amounting to GHC 2,854,144.80.2022
Customs Advance Ruling
This amount represent a shortfall of revenue arising from the issuance of unlawful customs advance which are supposed to be duties paid to the State for importation of frozen foods by Labianca Company Limited
Value of Assets Seized / Frozen
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Indicator Definition : This indicator measures the monetary worth of assets restrained, seized, or frozen by the Office pending the outcome of investigations and legal proceedings. It includes immovable and movable property, cash, bank balances, and other financial instruments that are preserved to prevent concealment, transfer, or dissipation.
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Justification : These seizures and freezes ensure that the assets are preserved and not dissipated, thereby safeguarding the public interest pending the conclusion of investigations and potential confiscation proceedings.
This indicator is one of the ways to measure the OSP’s corruption prevention efforts.
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2025
As of August 2025, the Office of the Special Prosecutor has, through its mandate to restrain and preserve suspected tainted property, secured assets valued at GHS 102.7 million, in addition to USD 104,784.27 (at an exchange rate of $1 = GHS 10.6).
Composition of Assets Seized by Category
S/N Asset Category Quantity Seized Estimated Value (GHS) 1 Real Estate (land, houses, gas stations) 25 96,582,459.54 2 Vehicles (cars, suv's, trucks, tankers, buses, etc.) 5 2,319,900.0 3 Cash & Equivalents (physical cash, bank balances, deposits) 27 3,834,834.79 4 Jewellery / Precious items - - 5 Financial Instruments (shares, bonds) - - 6 Electronic wallets - - Total - 102,737,194.33 -
2023
The Office thwarted a counterfeit currency syndicate, seizing $40 million in fake currency. This amounts to a total of GHS 516,000,000.00 (at an exchange rate of $1 = GHS 12.9)
Composition of Assets Seized by Category
S/N Asset Category Quantity Seized Estimated Value (GHS) 1 Cash & Equivalents (physical cash, bank balances, deposits) Bundles of counterfeit U.S. dollars 516,000,000.00 Total - 516,000,000.00
Loss Averted
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Indicator Definition : Loss averted refers to monetary losses prevented through OSP intervention, including funds that would have been paid for work not performed, substandard work, inflated costs, or services offering inadequate value for money. This encompasses payments stopped, contracts terminated, or irregular expenditures prevented as a direct result of OSP investigations, prosecutions, or preventive actions.
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Justification : The office aims to prevent corruption, thus safeguarding state funds from loss.
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2025
Corruption risk assessment of Ghana Health services and LCB worldwide Ghana Limited’s disinfection services contract
In December 2025, the OSP concluded corruption-risk assessment of disinfection services rendered at the national ports of entry by LCB Worldwide Ghana Limited (LCB), who hold a contract with Ghana Health Service (GHS).
The arrangement grants LCB an exclusive nationwide monopoly to conduct disinfection services and to collect charges directly from importers and exporters. The model also permits LCB to retain revenues in its private accounts, make partial disbursements to government agencies, and report on its operations without independent verification.
The OSP corruption assessment concluded that the arrangement presents material corruption vulnerabilities across legal authority, procurement, fee imposition, financial flows, institutional oversight, competition, transparency, and public health efficacy.
Consequently, the OSP directed, inter alia, the immediate suspension of all disbursements pending a forensic audit; immediate cessation of private custody and retention of fees and revenue; and the preservation and recovery of taxes and Ghana Revenue Authority oversight in respect of tax obligations.
The OSP further directed Ghana Health Service to submit an Integrity Plan to the Office, on or before 31 March 2026, detailing corrective steps taken and systematic re-organisation and controls of the ports of entry and exit disinfection programme to be undertaken to prevent corruption, assure transparency and accountability.
The intervention by the OSP has saved the Republic an estimated sum of Three Hundred and Forty-Five Million Cedis (GHC345,000,000.00), with the breakdown as follows꞉
Item Amount (GHS) Cost Avoidance 120,000,000.00 VAT & Statutory Revenue (Preserved/Recovered) 25,000,000.00 Prevented Future Exposure 200,000,000.00 Total 345,000,000.00
Other Major Savings - The Evatex Logistics–GACL Contract
Following thorough investigations by the OSP, the contract agreement between Evatex Logistics and Ghana Airport Company Limited was terminated. This action prevented a potential loss of USD 64.6 million (approximately GHS 687 million) to the state and protected Ghana from further financial risk.
Analysis of Savings Arising from SML Investigations
This analysis assumes that SML would have continued receiving a fixed monthly payment for the remainder of the contract period, from June 2025 through October 2028.
All individual contracts were consolidated on 25 October 2023 into a single five-year agreement, meaning the consolidated contract was scheduled to expire on 24 October 2028.
However, but for the intervention of the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) on 10 June 2025, these payments would have continued uninterrupted throughout the period, resulting in unjustified financial outflows to SML.1. Transaction Audit and External Price Verification
Last Payment was in December 2024.
Net average of the last 12 months of payment in 2024 = GHS 13,500,993.59Period Number of Months Amount (GHS) Jun – Dec 2025 (7 months) 94,506,955.12 Jan – Dec 2026 (12 months) 162,011,923.06 Jan – Dec 2027 (12 months) 162,011,923.06 Jan – Oct 2028 (10 months) 135,009,935.88 Total 41 553,540,737.12 2. Measurement of Downstream Petroleum Audit
Net fixed fee agreed between GRA and SML = GHS 17,007,432.99
Period Number of Months Amount (GHS) Jun – Dec 2025 (7 months) 119,052,030.93 Jan – Dec 2026 (12 months) 204,089,195.88 Jan – Dec 2027 (12 months) 204,089,195.88 Jan – Oct 2028 (10 months) 170,074,329.90 Total 41 697,304,752.59 Transaction Audit and External Price Verification & Measurement of Downstream Petroleum Audit: GHS 553,540,737 + GHS 697,304,752 = GHS 1,250,845,489.71
3. Measurement of Upstream and Minerals Audit
Following the earlier announcement that Ghana saved over GHS 1.2 billion from the cancellation of the main SML revenue assurance contract, there is an additional savings from the upstream and mineral sector components of the agreement.
These contracts, which were based on a variable fee structure linked to exports of crude oil and gold, would have cost the State approximately US$173 million for crude oil and GHS 2.6 billion for gold exports over five years.
SML did not commence work as the arrangement coincided with the KPMG audit. Owing to the criminal investigations by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) and the subsequent cancellation by the President, Ghana has now avoided these further costs.CRUDE GOLD Estimated Export per Month (A) 3,850,000 bbls of crude 5,836,344,143.81 Compensation due to Service Provider (B) USD 0.75 0.75% Compensation payable per Month (A*B) = (C) USD 2,887,500 GHS 43,772,581.08 Compensation payable per Year (C*12) = (D) USD 34,650,000.00 GHS 525,270,972.94 Compensation payable for Five (5) Years (D*5) = (E) USD 173,250,000.00 GHS 2,626,354,864.71 Upstream and Mineral Sector Components: USD 173,250,000.00 (at the Bank of Ghana interbank rate of USD 1 = GHS 10.70 as of 7 November 2025) = GHS 1,853,775,000.00. Adding GHS 2,626,354,864.71 gives a total of GHS 4,480,129,864.71
Grand Total (Upstream and Downstream) = GHS 5,730,975,354.42
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2024
Payroll Savings
In 2024, the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), working with the Controller and Accountant General’s Department (CAGD), conducted a corruption risk assessment into Government Payroll Administration in the Northern Region.
The investigation uncovered “ghost names” – salaries being paid to deceased, retired, missing, or ineligible persons. In January 2024, the OSP blocked unearned monthly salaries amounting to GHC 2,854,144.80.
This single intervention has saved the Republic GHC 34,249,737.06 for the 2024 financial year alone. The savings will continue every year these ghost names remain off the payroll, representing a major win in protecting public funds through proactive anti-corruption measures. -
2022
Auction / Benchmark Value
The Office suspended port auction sales for restructuring and legal compliance, requiring auctioneers to pay applicable duties and taxes on goods and vehicles.
As a result of the intervention of the OSP in monitoring strict compliance of its directives to the GRA-CD, revenue from the sale of auction vehicles and goods from September 2022 to December 2023 increased in revenue by 333.8%, and future savings of that amount for every year of compliance.
The Office has not yet received data regarding the savings generated from discontinuing the unlawful practice of lowering benchmark values (from 5% to 10%) for imported goods through customs advance rulings by Parliament. Nevertheless, it is anticipated that the state will realize considerable savings as a result.
Bloated Contract Savings
The OSPs vigilance and prompt actions saved Ghana over GHC 5 million Ghana cedis following the termination of inflated contract by the Northern Development Authority (NDA). It was believed that the NDA issued contracts for consultancy services for the execution of a series of poverty alleviation projects under the Infrastructure for Poverty Eradication Programme (IPEP) in the 11 constituencies in the Upper West Region. The OSP instructed the Controller and Accountant General’s Department to halt payments to the NDA after ascertaining that the contract had been bloated from GHC 5 million to GHC 10 million. Persons associated with the corrupt act were arraigned before court for prosecution.
Suspended Transactions
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Indicator Definition : Suspended transactions are contracts, procurements, negotiations, deals, and other commercial activities halted by the Office or cancelled by the Presidency or the supervisory institution under investigation due to suspected corruption.
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Justification : This indicator is one of the ways to measure the OSP’s corruption prevention efforts.
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2025
Ghana Health Services and LCB Worldwide Ghana Limited
In December 2025, the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) in Ghana completed a corruption-risk assessment of the disinfection services arrangement at national ports of entry between Ghana Health Services (GHS) and LCB Worldwide Ghana Limited (LCB). This setup granted LCB an exclusive nationwide monopoly for conducting disinfection and directly collecting fees from importers and exporters, while allowing it to hold revenues in private accounts, make partial government disbursements, and self-report without independent oversight.
The assessment identified significant corruption vulnerabilities in areas including legal authority, procurement, fee structures, financial management, institutional oversight, competition, transparency, and public health effectiveness. Consequently, the OSP deemed the arrangement a high systemic corruption risk requiring urgent mitigation. It recommended that any future setup be established via a lawful, transparent framework with strict financial, technical, and governance safeguards.
To address these issues, the OSP issued directives including:- Immediate suspension of all disbursements pending a forensic audit.
- Cessation of private custody and retention of fees and revenues.
- Preservation and recovery of taxes, with oversight by the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA).
Additionally, GHS was instructed to submit an Integrity Plan to the OSP by March 31, 2026, outlining corrective actions and systemic reforms to the ports' disinfection program to prevent corruption and ensure transparency and accountability.
This intervention saved the Republic an estimated GHC 345,000,000.
Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML)
Following investigations conducted by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) and an external audit commissioned by the then President and carried out by KPMG, the Government of Ghana has terminated all contracts between the state and Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML).
At the time of signing, the contract was valued at approximately US$500 million (about GH₵5.45 billion at an exchange rate of US$1:GH₵10.9 ) over a five-year period. The termination, effected in November 2024, covered the Transaction Audit and External Verification Services agreements.
The OSP’s findings revealed that there was no legitimate justification for the services SML purported to provide. The investigations further uncovered that the contracts were secured through self-serving official patronage and based on unverified claims.
The OSP’s intervention not only resulted in the cancellation of inflated and unnecessary contracts but also underscored the practical impact of proactive anti-corruption enforcement in safeguarding public funds and strengthening accountability in public procurement.
A number of individuals, including the former Minister for Finance, Kenneth Ofori-Atta, have been identified for potential prosecution following the conclusion of the investigations.
Airport Scandal
The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) is investigating the Revenue Assurance Audit Agreement between the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) and Evatex Logistics Limited. Preliminary findings point to suspected procurement breaches and corruption risks. As a result, the contract has been cancelled.
Evatex has since threatened legal action, claiming capital investments of US$64.6 million. At the Bank of Ghana Interbank Exchange Rate of 15 August 2025 (US$1 = GH₵10.65), this amounts to about GH₵687 million.
By halting the agreement, the OSP has shielded the nation from potential exposure of up to US$64.6 million (GH₵687 million) while investigations continue.
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2024
Payroll Savings
TIn 2024, the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), working with the Controller and Accountant General’s Department (CAGD), conducted a corruption risk assessment into Government Payroll Administration in the Northern Region.
The investigation uncovered “ghost names” – salaries being paid to deceased, retired, missing, or ineligible persons.
In January 2024, the OSP blocked unearned monthly salaries amounting to GHC 2,854,144.80 . This single intervention has saved the Republic GHC 34,249,737.06 for the 2024 financial year alone. The savings will continue every year these ghost names remain off the payroll, representing a major win in protecting public funds through proactive anti-corruption measures.
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2023
The OSP’s investigation halted the leasing of the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) in a deal suspected of corruption. TOR’s board had agreed to lease the refinery to Torrentco Assets Management Limited (TAML) for six years to optimise output and refurbish infrastructure. However, concerns arose over TAML’s lack of experience, financial capacity, and the necessary licences.
TAML later rebranded as Tema Energy Processing Limited (TEPL) and attempted to re-enter the agreement under the same terms. Following a petition, the OSP ordered a suspension of all negotiations to conduct a corruption risk assessment, leading to TEPL’s withdrawal. Although the deal was valued at US$22 million, Ghana risked incurring even greater losses. The amount was converted into cedis at the prevailing exchange rate at the time of the contract’s suspension.
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2022
Auction / Benchmark Value
The Office suspended port auction sales for restructuring and legal compliance, requiring auctioneers to pay applicable duties and taxes on goods and vehicles.
As a result of the intervention of the OSP in monitoring strict compliance of its directives to the GRA-CD, revenue from the sale of auction vehicles and goods from September 2022 to December 2023 increased in revenue by 333.8%, and future savings of that amount for every year of compliance.
The Office has not yet received data regarding the savings generated from discontinuing the unlawful practice of lowering benchmark values (from 5% to 10%) for imported goods through customs advance rulings by Parliament. Nevertheless, it is anticipated that the state will realize considerable savings as a result.
Bloated Contract Savings
The OSPs vigilance and prompt actions saved Ghana over GHC 5 million Ghana cedis following the termination of inflated contract by the Northern Development Authority (NDA).
It was believed that the NDA issued contracts for consultancy services for the execution of a series of poverty alleviation projects under the Infrastructure for Poverty Eradication Programme (IPEP) in the 11 constituencies in the Upper West Region.
The OSP instructed the Controller and Accountant General’s Department to halt payments to the NDA after ascertaining that the contract had been bloated from GHC 5 million to GHC 10 million. Persons associated with the corrupt act were arraigned before court for prosecution.
Civil processes filed to confirm assets already seized or frozen
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Indicator Definition : Number of civil court processes filed by the Office of the Special Prosecutor within a reporting period seeking judicial confirmation, validation, or ratification of assets already seized or frozen in ongoing investigations.
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Justification : This indicator measures the OSP’s efforts to secure judicial endorsement of asset preservation actions, ensuring legality, due process, and sustainability of seizure or freezing measures.
It supports accountability by strengthening the legal basis for continued custody and potential recovery of suspected proceeds of corruption.
| S/N | Case ID | Case Title |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | FT/0007/2026 | Office of the Special Prosecutor vs Sledge Duodu & 3 Ors |
| 2 | FT/0024/2026 | Office of the Special Prosecutor Mustapha Abdul-Hamid & 2 Ors |
| 3 | FT/0047/2026 | Office of the Special Prosecutor vs Francis Asare |
| 4 | FT/0033/2026 | Office of the Special Prosecutor vs Kings Energy Ltd. & Propnest Ltd. |
| 5 | FT/0024/2026 | Office of the Special Prosecutor vs Mustapha Abdul-Hamid & 2 Ors |
| 6 | GR/AC/CC/D18/139/2026 | Office of the Special Prosecutor vs Edward Koranteng Nana Yaw & 12 Ors. |
| 7 | FT/0075/2025 | Office of the Special Prosecutor vs Kel Logistics Limited, Kings Energy Limited, Propnest Limited |
| 8 | FT/0085/2025 | Office of the Special Prosecutor vs Jacob Kwamina Amuah & 3 Ors. |
| 9 | FT/0018/2025 | Office of the Special Prosecutor vs Francis Asare |
| 10 | FT/0084/2025 | Office of the Special Prosecutor vs Afram Community Bank Ltd. |
| 11 | NR/TL/HC/CC1/1/25 | Office of the Special Prosecutor vs Akwasi A. Amankwah |
| 12 | FT/0009/2025 | Office of the Special Prosecutor vs Philip Owusu Agyekum |
| 13 | FT/0042/2024 | Office of the Special Prosecutor vs Anthony Gyasi |
| 14 | CR/0363/2024 | Office of the Special Prosecutor vs Ibrahim Kofi Sessah and 2 Ors. |
| 15 | CR/0356/2024 | Office of the Special Prosecutor vs Francis Asare |
| 16 | NR/TL/HC/CC16/53/2024 | Office of the Special Prosecutor vs Yakubu Tahidu |
| 17 | FT/0074/2023 | Office of the Special Prosecutor vs Cecilia Dapaah and Another |
International Cooperation
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Indicator Definition : Value of assets recovered through cross-border collaboration.
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Justification : Corruption often involves cross-border elements such as illicit financial flows and transnational organised crime, requiring cooperation with foreign agencies to track assets, share intelligence, and enforce laws effectively. Collaboration enhances investigations, strengthens prosecutions, and prevents safe havens for corrupt actors.
Number of individuals reached through in-person anti-corruption education and sensitisation programmes
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Indicator Definition : Direct participants in workshops, outreach programmes, community engagements, and training sessions.
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Justification : Measures direct engagement and depth of interaction in education efforts.
| SN | Year | Number of Persons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2026 | 2,912 |
| 2 | 2025 | 5,793 |
| 3 | 2024 | 7,833 |
| 4 | 2023 | 1,500 |
| 5 | 2022 | 1,000 |
These campaigns have played a vital role in shaping public discourse on integrity and reinforcing zero tolerance for corruption across the country.
Percentage of Right to Information (RTI) requests responded to
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Indicator Definition : This refers to the percentage of Right to Information (RTI) requests received by the OSP that were responded to within the time frame prescribed under the Right to Information Act, 2019 (Act 989), from the date of receipt, unless an extension is duly applied.
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Justification : Timely responses to RTI requests enhance transparency, build public trust in anti-corruption institutions, and ensure compliance with legal obligations to promote access to information.
Number of individuals reached through anti-corruption messages via traditional media
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Indicator Definition : Estimated audience reached through TV, radio, and print dissemination.
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Justification : Ensures broad national coverage across all demographic groups.
| S/N | YEAR | Estimated number of listeners, readers and viewers were reached |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2025 | 13,275,000 |
| 2 | 2024 | 2,925,000 |
| 4 | 2023 | 2,050,000 |
| 5 | 2022 | 1,100,000 |
These campaigns have played a vital role in shaping public discourse on integrity and reinforcing zero tolerance for corruption across the country.
Number of anti-corruption public awareness campaigns conducted
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Indicator Definition : Measures outreach activities aimed at educating citizens and stakeholders on corruption prevention, reporting channels, and ethical conduct.
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Justification : Assesses efforts to shape public attitudes and strengthen societal resistance to corruption.
| S/N | Year | Number of Forum |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2026 | 9 |
| 2 | 2025 | 16 |
| 3 | 2024 | 13 |
| 4 | 2023 | 2 |
| 5 | 2022 | 1 |
Number of public officials trained in ethics, integrity, and anti-corruption compliance
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Indicator Definition : Counts officials who have completed certified training programmes on ethics, integrity, and corruption prevention.
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Justification : Evaluates capacity-building efforts aimed at strengthening ethical decision-making and reducing vulnerability to corrupt practices.
Public Trust in the OSP
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Indicator Definition : This refers to the percentage of Ghanaians who have confidence in the OSP to fight corruption
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Justification : The OSP derives its mandate from Ghanaians. It is therefore important that the Office’s most critical stakeholders – citizens - maintain their belief in the effectiveness of the OSP.
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2025
D13/01/22: The Republic V Alexander Kwabena Sarfo-Kantanka
55% of Ghanaians have confidence in the OSP to fight corruption.
Source: CDD Ghana’s Reflection Paper on the Office of the Special Prosecutor.
Number of corruption risk assessments conducted
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Indicator Definition : Corruption Risk Assessments are probes that flag weaknesses within a system or portfolio that may present opportunities for corruption.
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Justification : Corruption risk assessments help prevent corruption by proactively addressing risks, strengthening institutional integrity, and guiding anti-corruption strategies.
Number of Mutual Legal Assistance (MLA) requests submitted in corruption and corruption-related casess
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Indicator Definition : Measures the total number of formal MLA requests issued to foreign jurisdictions to obtain evidence, asset information, witness statements, or other investigative assistance in corruption-related matters during the reporting period.
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Justification : Assesses the extent to which the institution is engaging international partners to support cross-border investigations and prosecutions of corruption cases involving foreign elements or assets..
Number of extradition requests submitted and/or executed in corruption-related cases Definition
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Indicator Definition : Tracks formal extradition requests issued to or received from foreign jurisdictions, as well as those successfully executed, relating to corruption suspects.
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Justification : Assesses international enforcement cooperation in securing the presence of accused persons for prosecution.
Number of extradition requests submitted and/or executed in corruption-related cases Definition
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Indicator Definition : Counts active or completed investigations undertaken collaboratively with international agencies, including joint task forces or coordinated investigative teams.
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Justification : Reflects the depth of operational cooperation in addressing complex, transnational corruption schemes.
Number of extradition requests submitted and/or executed in corruption-related cases Definition
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Indicator Definition : Counts official participation in global or regional anti-corruption forums, including conventions, working groups, and peer review mechanisms.
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Justification : Assesses engagement in global governance frameworks, policy alignment, and adoption of international best practices.
Indicator Definition
Lifestyle Audits are an investigation into the source of a person’s wealth. These audits are occasioned by suspicion of illegitimate source of wealth.
In the case of the OSP, a lifestyle audit occasions an investigation when the source of wealth is deemed to come from corruption and corruption-related offenses.
Justification: Lifestyle audits are a means of bringing to justice persons who are outside the orbit of any case pursued by the OSP but have wealth originating from corruption and corruption-related activities.
Indicator Definition
Average Percentage appreciation refers to the increase in value of assets under the management of the OSP resulting from prudent management practices.
Justification: This is determined by the change in value of the assets over time expressed as a percentage of the original value of the assets.
Indicator Definition
Anti-corruption research refers to research that is undertaken on the subject of corruption with remedial measures covered.
NB: Research that becomes perennial would be transitioned to stand-alone indicators
Justification: Anti-corruption research aims to uncover findings and make recommendations that would help reduce corruption.
Indicator Definition
This refers to the total number of corruption complaints received via the OSP’s corruption reporting platforms.
Justification: This indicator tracks the volume of corruption complaints received. It speaks to the visibility and credibility of the OSP.
Indicator Definition
This refers to significant outputs, outcomes and impacts achieved through corruption prevention activities of the OSP.
Justification: The activities undertaken by the OSP’s prevention efforts may lead to significant results that need to be documented.