The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has filed formal charges against former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML), and six other individuals, in a significant development in Ghana’s ongoing anti-corruption investigations.
The charges, spanning 78 counts, relate to corruption and offences connected to the management and execution of contracts between the state and SML.
This action follows President John Mahama’s directive on October 31 to immediately cancel all contracts involving SML, shortly after the OSP concluded its investigation into the deals, which had drawn widespread public scrutiny and criticism.
At a press briefing on Thursday, October 30, Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng disclosed that the investigation uncovered substantial evidence of financial irregularities implicating officials from the Ministry of Finance, the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), and associates of SML.
Those expected to face charges include Ernest Akore, former Chief of Staff to the Finance Minister; former GRA Commissioners-General Emmanuel Kofi Nti and Rev. Ammishaddai Owusu-Amoah; Isaac Crentsil, former Commissioner of the Customs Division of the GRA and later General Manager of SML; and Kwadwo Damoah, former Commissioner of the Customs Division and current Member of Parliament for Jaman South.
The filing of charges marks a critical step in efforts to hold public officials accountable and reinforces the government’s commitment to combating corruption.
