The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), Ghana’s leading independent anti-corruption agency, has unveiled its Half-Yearly Report for July to December 2024, detailing the agency's achievements, challenges, ongoing investigations, and prosecutions.A major focus during the reporting period was the 2024 general elections, where the OSP actively pursued electoral corruption cases.

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The agency deployed covert operatives to monitor and disrupt vote-buying and selling schemes while launching nationwide public education campaigns to raise awareness about the dangers of electoral corruption and encourage citizens to reject bribery and manipulation.

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Challenges Impacting ProgressDespite its efforts, the OSP noted significant challenges hindering its operations:Legal Hurdles: Persistent challenges questioning the constitutionality of the OSP’s mandate at the Supreme Court delayed progress on critical cases.Resource Constraints: Limited financial and logistical support restricted the agency’s capacity to manage its caseload effectively.

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Institutional Resistance: Some government institutions delayed compliance with OSP directives, impeding investigations and enforcement actions.Public Misinformation: Efforts to discredit the OSP through misinformation campaigns further complicated its operations, undermining public confidence.Significant Cases Under ProsecutionThe report highlighted three major corruption cases currently in court:The Republic v.

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Adjenim Boateng Adjei (Accra):The former Public Procurement Authority CEO is facing eight counts of corruption, including using public office for profit. Case management proceedings will resume on January 16, 2025.The Republic v. Sumaila Abdul Rahman & Others (Tamale):Former executives of the Northern Development Authority and A&QS Consortium Limited face 11 counts of procurement-related corruption.

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Defence proceedings are ongoing, with the next hearing scheduled for January 2025.The Republic v. Alexander Kwabena Sarfo Kantanka (Kumasi):The case involves corruption linked to a public election. However, procedural delays due to judicial reassignment have stalled the case, which now awaits judgment.

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Completed InvestigationsThe OSP has concluded several high-profile investigations, including:Ghana Police Service: A probe into recruitment-related corruption during the Course 51 Cadet Officers Training programme. The next steps await direction from the Special Prosecutor.Gaming Commission of Ghana: Irregularities in the procurement contract awarded to Turfsport Ghana Limited have been investigated, and directives are pending.

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Charles Bissue (Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining): Allegations of profiteering using public office have been examined, with further action under review.Ongoing InvestigationsThe report also lists ongoing high-profile corruption investigations, such as:National Cathedral Project: A probe into procurement and construction payments, including those involving former Finance Minister Kenneth Nana Yaw Ofori-Atta.

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Ministry of Health/Service Ghana Auto Group (The Ambulance Case): Investigations into procurement irregularities in the acquisition and maintenance of 307 ambulances.National Service Authority: Corruption in recruitment processes and other administrative malpractices under scrutiny.Ghana Revenue Authority/Tata Consulting Services: A review of a contract for the Integrated Tax Administration System (ITAS) over suspected corruption.

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Strategic Mobilization Ghana Limited/GRA: Investigations targeting procurement offences.Illegal Mining Activities ("Galamsey"): A sweeping probe targeting officials and entities linked to illegal mining, including Akonta Mining Limited and former members of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining.

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Caseload and Public AccountabilityThe OSP disclosed it is reviewing 197 additional complaints, with cases meeting its investigative threshold set to be publicized and pursued.Despite the outlined challenges, the OSP reaffirmed its commitment to combating corruption and restoring public trust.

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The agency emphasized its dedication to strengthening Ghana’s anti-corruption framework while calling for increased resources and institutional cooperation to bolster its capacity.

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