The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has dismissed claims by the Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Shippers’ Authority, Prof Ransford Gyampo, suggesting that the ongoing investigation into former Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, is driven by personal animosity.

In a statement published on Facebook on June 22, the OSP expressed concern over Dr Gyampo’s comments, which it characterised as misleading and potentially harmful to the integrity of its operations.

The Office stressed that its inquiry into Mr Ofori-Atta centres on "stated allegations of corruption and corruption-related offences", particularly the alleged abuse of office for personal gain.

Of specific concern is the multi-year contract awarded to Strategic Mobilisation Limited (SML), a matter that has been under scrutiny.

The OSP further revealed that Dr Gyampo had contacted the Office regarding SML while a lawful search was being conducted at the company's premises by officers from the OSP and the National Security apparatus.

The timing and nature of this contact raise questions, although the OSP refrained from making direct accusations.

While reiterating its openness to public scrutiny and constructive criticism, the OSP issued a caution to public officials against attempts—whether overt or subtle—to interfere with ongoing investigations.

“Such actions,” the Office warned, “have the potential to undermine the fight against corruption.”

Background

Dr Ransford Gyampo called on the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) to ensure impartiality and fairness in its ongoing investigation into former Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta.

Speaking on TV3's Keypoints programme, Prof Gyampo expressed concern about the motives behind the OSP’s recent actions. “I hope the OSP is not motivated by vendetta,” he said.

The OSP’s move has sparked criticism from sections of the public and legal commentators, with many suggesting that less confrontational alternatives could have been pursued.

Among the proposals reportedly rejected by the OSP was an offer by Ofori-Atta’s legal team to conduct the interrogation via video conferencing, citing the former minister’s health challenges.

The OSP declined, arguing that Mr Ofori-Atta had not yet been formally charged and was expected to comply with lawful investigative procedures in person.

Further suggestions that OSP officials could travel abroad to conduct the interview were also dismissed, with the Office citing concerns over cost to the taxpayer.

Prof Gyampo emphasised the importance of transparency in the matter, particularly regarding Mr Ofori-Atta’s medical condition. “It is important to find out if Mr Ofori-Atta is not sick. Because being sick is not an easy matter,” he stated.

He also questioned the OSP’s overall effectiveness, pointing to a perceived pattern of high-profile investigations that begin with great fanfare but fizzle out without tangible results.

“And the OSP, they have in the past started so dramatically but, in the end, we saw nothing. Look at the Cecilia Dapaah case,” he remarked, referencing an earlier corruption probe that has yet to yield any prosecutions.