The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), Ghana’s foremost independent anti-corruption agency, has released its comprehensive Half-Yearly Report for the period July to December 2024, shedding light on the agency’s successes, challenges, ongoing investigations, and prosecutions.

A significant focus during the reporting period was the 2024 general elections, during which the OSP says it actively targeted electoral corruption.

Covert operatives were deployed to monitor and disrupt vote-buying and selling activities, while nationwide public awareness campaigns emphasised the dangers of electoral corruption and urged citizens to reject bribery and manipulation.

Challenges hampering progress

Despite its efforts, the OSP says it encountered several challenges that affected its operations:

• Legal Hurdles: Persistent attempts to question the constitutionality of the OSP’s mandate at the Supreme Court delayed progress on key cases.
• Resource Constraints: Limited financial and logistical resources restricted the agency’s capacity to handle its caseload effectively.
• Institutional Resistance: Some government agencies delayed compliance with OSP directives, further impeding investigations and enforcement efforts.
• Public Misinformation: Campaigns to discredit the OSP through misinformation posed additional hurdles, undermining public confidence in its work.

Cases under prosecution

The OSP highlighted three significant corruption cases currently in court:

1. The Republic v. Adjenim Boateng Adjei (Accra):
   The former CEO of the Public Procurement Authority is on trial for eight counts of corruption, including using public office for profit. The case management stage is set to resume on January 16, 2025.
2. The Republic v. Sumaila Abdul Rahman & Others (Tamale):
   Former executives of the Northern Development Authority and A&QS Consortium Limited are facing 11 counts of procurement corruption. Defence proceedings are ongoing, with the next hearing scheduled for January 2025.
3. The Republic v. Alexander Kwabena Sarfo Kantanka (Kumasi):
   This case, involving corruption allegations related to a public election, awaits judgment. Procedural delays caused by judicial reassignment have stalled progress.

Completed investigations

The OSP successfully concluded several high-profile investigations:

1. Ghana Police Service: Recruitment-related corruption in the Course 51 Cadet Officers Training programme. The next steps will be determined by the Special Prosecutor.
2. Gaming Commission of Ghana: Irregularities in the procurement contract awarded to Turfsport Ghana Limited have been investigated; directives are awaited.
3. Charles Bissue (Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining): Allegations of profiteering using public office have been investigated, and further action is pending.

Key ongoing investigations

The report outlines several high-profile cases under active investigation:

1. National Cathedral Project: A probe into payments linked to procurement and construction activities, including those by former Finance Minister Kenneth Nana Yaw Ofori-Atta, is ongoing.
2. Ministry of Health/Service Ghana Auto Group (The Ambulance Case): Investigations focus on procurement irregularities in the acquisition and maintenance of 307 ambulances.
3. National Service Authority: Corruption in recruitment processes and other administrative malpractices are being scrutinized.
4. Ghana Revenue Authority/Tata Consulting Services: A contract for implementing the Integrated Tax Administration System (ITAS) is under review for suspected corruption.
5. Strategic Mobilization Ghana Limited/Ghana Revenue Authority: Investigations are focused on procurement-related offences.
6. Illegal Mining Activities ("Galamsey"): This sweeping probe targets officials and entities implicated in illegal mining, including Akonta Mining Limited and former members of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining.

Caseload and public transparency

The OSP reported that it is reviewing 197 additional complaints, with cases meeting its threshold for investigation to be publicised and pursued.

Despite the challenges, the OSP says it remains resolute in its mission to combat corruption and restore public trust. The Office has reiterated its commitment to strengthening Ghana’s anti-corruption framework and has called for increased resources and institutional cooperation to enhance its operational capacity.