Courtrooms in Accra, Kumasi, and Tamale are becoming central battlegrounds in Ghana’s ongoing fight against corruption, with several high-profile trials currently underway, led by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP).
In Accra, former Secretary to the now-defunct Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining, Charles Bissue, faces 15 counts related to corruption and abuse of office. He is accused of facilitating unqualified companies to bypass proper licensing procedures. His plea is expected to be taken on 6 May 2025.
Also in the capital, former Public Procurement Authority CEO Adjenim Boateng Adjei is being prosecuted on eight counts of corruption. Investigators allege he manipulated procurement processes for personal gain. His trial is ongoing.
In Kumasi, the case involving Alexander Sarfo-Kantanka, a former DCE nominee for Ejisu Juaben, has wrapped up. He was charged with corruption over claims he solicited the return of bribes paid to assembly members to secure his endorsement. The public now awaits judgment, which has been pending since November 2024.
Tamale hosts two major cases. Sumaila Abdulai Rahman, former CEO of the Northern Development Authority, along with two deputies and a private businessman, stands accused of influencing contract awards and corrupting a public officer. Prosecutors have closed their case, and the accused have opened their defence.
Another Tamale trial involves Yakubu Tahidu and five others, who face 17 counts of payroll fraud. They are alleged to have manipulated payroll systems to defraud the state. All six have applied for plea bargaining, signaling potential out-of-court resolutions.
Key Highlights:
- The Republic v. Charles Bissue & Another (Accra): 15 counts of corruption; plea to be taken 6 May 2025.
- The Republic v. Alexander Sarfo-Kantanka (Kumasi): Trial concluded; judgment pending since November 2024.
- The Republic v. Adjenim Boateng Adjei (Accra): 8 counts of corruption; prosecution ongoing.
- The Republic v. Sumaila Abdulai Rahman & 3 Others (Tamale): Case closed; defence opened.
- The Republic v. Yakubu Tahidu & 5 Others (Tamale): 17 counts of payroll fraud; plea bargaining requested.
