A quiet but powerful war against corruption is underway in the country, led by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP).
n its half-year report released today (August 19), the OSP stated that 67 cases were under full investigation, indicating a far-reaching inquiry that spans government ministries, state-owned enterprises, and influential individuals.
This isn’t a random collection of cases; it’s a strategic “hit list” targeting some of the most scathing, high-profile and controversial issues that have dominated national discourse with high stakes.
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It covers alleged malfeasance, promising to unveil layers of suspected corruption and financial impropriety that have long plagued the nation.
The OSP, under the leadership of lawyer Kissi Agyebeng, is pulling no punches, digging deep into cases ranging from land grabs and illicit mining to multi-million dollar contracts and even the very payroll of the government.
The OSP’s message is a clear indication that the era of impunity is over, with more individuals likely to serve jail time in the coming months.
With these cases, the OSP is not just seeking to prosecute individuals; it is aiming to dismantle the very networks that sustain corruption and restore public trust in the country’s institutions. For Ghanaians weary of empty promises, the OSP’s hit list is a sign of a potential new dawn in the fight for accountability.
Below are the top highlights from the report:
· Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF): Investigation into suspected corruption and corruption-related offences regarding MIIF operations between 2020-2024, especially concerning payments made for Agyapa Royalties Limited. This includes investigations into GIG Minerals Limited, RCM Properties, Energy & Resources Company Limited, Goldstrom Ghana Limited, and BH Minerals Limited.
Ghana Airports Company Limited: Investigation into suspected corruption and corruption-related offences regarding operations and contractual arrangements between 2020-2024.
· Ghana Education Service: Investigation into suspected corruption and corruption-related offences regarding the large-scale sale of appointment letters to prospective teachers and the laundering of proceeds from the unlawful enterprise.
· National Commission on Culture: Investigation into operations between 2020-2024, focusing on suspected corruption and extortion related to staff salaries and salary arrears.
· Ghana Revenue Authority/Tata Consulting Services: Investigation into suspected corruption and corruption-related offences.
National Service Authority: Investigation into suspected corruption and corruption-related offences regarding recruitment of national service personnel and related activities between 2020-2024.
· Ministry of Health/Service Ghana Auto Group Limited: Investigation into suspected corruption and corruption-related offences regarding a contract awarded for purchases and after-sales service and maintenance of 307 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 305 CDI ambulances for the National Ambulance Service.
· National Cathedral: Investigation into suspected corruption and corruption-related offences regarding procurement of contractors and materials, and payments by a former Minister of Finance, Kenneth Nana Yaw Ofori-Atta, and payments by the National Cathedral Secretariat.
· Electricity Company of Ghana Limited: Investigation into suspected corruption and corruption-related offences regarding the termination of a Distribution, Loss Reduction and Associated Network Improvement Project contract with Beijing Xiao Cheng Technology (BXC).
Government of Ghana Payroll Administration: Joint corruption risk assessment and investigation with the Controller and Accountant General’s Department (CAGD) into suspected corruption and corruption-related offences in government payroll administration. This aims to remove non-existent, ineligible, and undeserving persons from the payroll, recover wrongful payments, prosecute culprits, and implement internal controls.
· State lands, Stool lands, and other Vested lands: Investigation into the appropriation, sale, and lease of State-owned lands and properties to individuals and corporate bodies since 1993. This includes lands under the direct stewardship of the Lands Commission, Ministry of Works and Housing, other Ministries, State Housing Company, State Owned Companies, and other State agencies. It also covers the management of vested lands, public lands where State ownership has been relinquished, and the sale, lease, grant, and disposal by the Lands Commission of parcels of land and bungalows occupied by the Judicial Service of Ghana.
· Illegal Mining: Ongoing investigation into suspected corruption and corruption-related offences.
· National Sports Authority: Investigation into suspected corruption and corruption-related offences regarding contracts awarded for goods and services to Acoma Green Consult, Tabee Gh. Limited, Wanschie Car Rentals, Obiri Car Rentals, No Farmer No Fortune, STC Clinic, Bobina Solutions, and Mum & Sons Signature.
Ghana Water Company Limited: Investigation into suspected corruption and corruption-related offenses regarding contracts awarded for goods and services to Nayak 96 Enterprise, Dencom Construction Works, Edmus Limited, Jomaks, Espab Construction Limited, Roger More Construction Limited, Velech Enterprise, Intermec Gh. Limited, and A.J.I. Trading & Construction Limited.
· Customs Division of Ghana Revenue Authority: Investigation into the issuance of customs advance rulings and markdowns of benchmark values and suspected corruption and corruption-related offences regarding auction sales of vehicles and other goods between July 1, 2016, and August 15, 2022.
Bank of Ghana: Investigation into the banking and financial sector crisis that led to the collapse of some banks and financial institutions, targeting alleged corruption and corruption-related offences by officials of the Bank of Ghana, banks, specialised deposit-taking institutions, and financial holding companies.
· Estate of Kwadwo Owusu-Afriyie, alias Sir John: Investigation into alleged improper acquisition of state-protected land at the Achimota Forest enclave and the Sakumono Ramsar site by a deceased former Chief Executive.
