Ghana’s Anti-Corruption Drive Intensifies: Key Takeaways from the OSP’s 2025 Half-Yearly Report
The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has release its 2025 report. This document details Ghana’s aggressive anti-corruption campaign. It shows significant progress in fighting graft.
The report covers high-stakes prosecutions and new investigations. It also explains bold prevention strategies. The OSP demonstrates its strong resolve clearly.
High-Profile Investigations and International Manhunts, OSP Report 2025
The report details a major investigation. It focuses on former Finance Minister Ofori-Atta. He is suspected of involvement in several scandals. These include the controversial SML-GRA contract.
They also include National Cathedral project payments. He failed to comply with multiple summonses. He did not provide adequate medical justification. Therefore, the OSP declared him a fugitive. They triggered an INTERPOL Red Notice. They also started extradition processes.
The OSP Report 2025 also referred the Cecilia Dapaah case. It went to the Economic and Organised Crime Office. This move focuses on money laundering evidence. EOCO’s mandate covers this specific crime.
Convictions, Plea Bargains, and Asset Recovery
The OSP secured seven convictions this period. It also received one acquittal. The office appealed the acquittal. Six individuals were convicted in a landmark case. They ran a “ghost names” scheme on government payroll.
The individuals admitted guilt through a plea bargain. Additionally, the accused persons provided information on other offenders. They made restitution to the state. This case saves over GH¢34 million annually.
A businessman was also convicted. Andy Thomas Owusu took a plea deal. The OSP accepted his cooperation offer. This pragmatic approach prioritizes asset recovery.
A Forward-Looking Strategy: Prevention and Legal Reform
The OSP pursues preventive measures aggressively. It advocates for deep legal reforms. It wants a new Anti-Corruption chapter in the Constitution. Proposed amendments would introduce powerful new tools. These include mandatory lifestyle audits for officials as well as non-conviction-based asset recovery. This shifts the burden of proof.
The Office engages in new partnerships actively. It joined a West African network (NACIWA). It is implementing a new national ethics strategy. Youth outreach programs build a culture of integrity. Media engagements ensure public awareness.
In conclusion, the OSP’s report shows a robust institution. It faces strong resistance but delivers results. It uses prosecutions and asset recovery effectively. The office is Ghana’s primary weapon against corruption.
