Ghana’s Top Public Officials Face Tough OSP Probes Now
The OSP ongoing corruption cases reveal a strong crackdown on corruption in Ghana’s public sector. According to its half-year report covering January to July 2025, the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) secured seven convictions and recorded one acquittal. Meanwhile, eight major prosecutions are currently before the courts.
High-profile cases include the Republic v. Mustapha Abdul-Hamid and nine others. They face charges of extortion, money laundering, and abuse of office at the National Petroleum Authority. In Tema Port, the Republic v. Issah Seidu and three others involves an alleged attempt to unlawfully appropriate rice containers. Additionally, Mr Charles Cromwell Nanabanyin Onuawonto Bissue and others are facing corruption charges related to illicit mining permits.
Other ongoing cases include bribery and money laundering linked to Ghana Education Service appointment letters. Mr Tahidu Yakubu and five others have been charged with payroll fraud and corruption in Yendi. Meanwhile, the case of Mr Alexander Kwabena Sarfo-Kantanka, which concerns alleged vote-buying in Juaben, is currently under appeal.
At the High Court in Tamale, Mr Sumaila Abdul Rahman and three colleagues from the Northern Development Authority face procurement and corruption charges. In Accra, the former Chief Executive of the Public Procurement Authority, Mr Adjenim Boateng Adjei, is on trial for procurement irregularities. Furthermore, former Finance Minister Mr Kenneth Nana Yaw Ofori-Atta is contesting his inclusion on the OSP wanted list. Mr Bissue has also sued the office over alleged human rights breaches.
Two investigations concluded during this period. One involved Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited and the Ghana Revenue Authority. The other concerned the Gaming Commission’s award of a contract to Turfsport Ghana Limited, where suspects offered restitution through plea bargains.
The OSP is pursuing 67 full investigations. These cover institutions such as the Minerals Income Investment Fund, Ghana Airports Company Limited, Tema Oil Refinery, and the National Cathedral. Other cases involve contract terminations in the electricity sector, payroll fraud, illegal mining, state land allocation, and contracts at the National Sports Authority and the Ghana Water Company Limited.
Additionally, 152 preliminary cases are under assessment. Special Prosecutor Mr Kissi Agyebeng emphasized that the office’s mandate is to investigate, prosecute, and recover assets. He added that corruption must become a “high-risk and costly enterprise” in Ghana.
Source: Graphic Online
