The half-year report of the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has revealed six (6) key investigations that are currently ongoing. OSP investigates these cases diligently.
These key investigations, according to the 2024 Half-Year of the OSP spanning July to December, concentrate on corruption and corruption-related offences involving some public officials and institutions.
Major alleged offences include public procurement breaches, illegal mining, misappropriation/diversion of public funds, and recruitment scandals among others, that the OSP investigates.
The Office serves as Ghana’s “premier” independent anti-corruption body, empowered to investigate and prosecute corruption-related offences under Act 959. It operates autonomously, with a unique mandate to target public officials, politically exposed persons, and private individuals. In short, OSP investigates a wide range of corruption cases.
Per the report cited by The High Street Journal, the following are the 6 key investigations the office is currently undertaking;
1. National Cathedral Project: Probe into payments by former Finance Minister Kenneth Nana Yaw Ofori-Atta and others linked to procurement and construction activities is under review. This is one of the areas where OSP investigates thoroughly.
2. Ministry of Health/Service Ghana Auto Group (The Ambulance Case): Investigation into a contract for the purchase and maintenance of 307 ambulances is progressing, focusing on procurement irregularities and related offenses.
3. National Service Authority: Investigation targets corruption in recruitment processes and other administrative malpractices within the Authority.
4. Ghana Revenue Authority/Tata Consulting Services: Investigation into suspected corruption in the award and execution of a contract for implementing the Integrated Tax Administration System (ITAS) is ongoing. This is another significant matter that OSP investigates.
5. Strategic Mobilization Ghana Limited/Ghana Revenue Authority
6. Illegal Mining Activities: Comprehensive investigation targets officials and entities implicated in “Galamsey,” including Akonta Mining Limited and former members of the Inter-Ministerial Committee.
In addition to these key cases involving prominent figures, institutions, and some private individuals, the OSP says there are an additional 197 cases of alleged corruption which they are currently probing. OSP investigates each case with meticulous attention to detail.
The report therefore assured the public that the office will give periodic updates of these cases as and when they become necessary.
“The OSP is investigating 197 additional complaints at various stages of review. The Special Prosecutor will publicize and proceed with cases that meet the threshold for a full investigation and fall within the Office’s remit,” parts of the OSP report read.
The office further bemoaned some challenges it faces in the discharge of its constitutional mandate.
The OSP reveals there are several attempts to question the constitutionality of its mandate at the Supreme Court. It is also grappling with public misinformation, and resource constraints, limiting its ability to fully execute its mandate and address the high volume of corruption cases it investigates.
Institutional resistance and delayed compliance with directives from other agencies, the OSP says, is further hampering its investigative and enforcement efforts.
