National Cathedral Project, Vote-Buying Cases Under Investigation – OSP
The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has disclosed that investigations into 197 additional complaints are ongoing, with cases at various stages of review.
This update was included in the OSP’s July to December 2024 half-year report, released on Monday, January 13, 2025.
The report highlighted the OSP’s commitment to pursuing cases that meet the criteria for full investigations and fall within its jurisdiction.
The OSP noted that high-profile cases, including the National Cathedral project, allegations of corruption at the National Service Authority, and vote-buying issues, are under active investigation.
“Following the conclusion of an investigation by the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) on November 22, 2024, of a complaint of allegations of corruption, abuse of power and infringement of the code of conduct for public officers in respect of the construction of the National Cathedral, and the referral by CHRAJ to the OSP for further investigations, if necessary – the OSP, deeming it necessary, has commenced investigation into suspected corruption and corruption-related offences in respect of the procurement of contractors and materials; payments by a former Minister of Finance, Kenneth Nana Yaw Ofori-Atta; payments by the National Cathedral Secretariat; and the activities regarding the construction of the National Cathedral,” the report stated.
The report states that the OSP has begun an investigation into suspected issues of corruption surrounding the recruitment of national service personnel by the National Service Authority.
Introduction
The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) is an independent anti-corruption institution whose mandate is to investigate and prosecute corruption-related issues as per Act 959. The OSP is autonomous but empowered by law to carry out investigations and hold public and private officials into account.
In December 2024, the office deployed its covert and investigation operatives to monitor,
suppress and repress the falsification of returns during the 2024 general election.
Challenges
The OSP has faced challenges involving the constitutionality of its mandate at the Supreme Court, misinformation and limited resources, hindering its capacity to fully operate.
Also, institutional resistance and delayed compliance with directives from other agencies further tempered investigative and enforcement efforts.
Cases Under Prosecution
1. The Republic v. Adjenim Boateng Adjei (Accra): Former CEO of the Public Procurement Authority faces trial for eight counts of corruption, including using public office for profit. The case is at the case management stage and resumes on 16 January 2025.
2. The Republic v. Sumaila Abdul Rahman & Others (Tamale): Former executives of the Northern Development Authority and A&QS Consortium Limited are on trial for 11 counts of procurement corruption. Defence proceedings are ongoing, with the next session scheduled for January 2025.
3. The Republic v. Alexander Kwabena Sarfo Kantanka (Kumasi): The accused, implicated in corruption related to a public election, awaits judgment following procedural delays due to judicial reassignment.
Investigations completed
1. Ghana Police Service: Recruitment-related corruption in Course 51 Cadet Officers Training has been concluded; the OSP will issue directives and further action on the matter in due course.
2. Gaming Commission of Ghana: Investigation into the procurement contract awarded to Turfsport Ghana Limited has concluded; further directives will be issued by the OSP in due course.
3. Charles Bissue (Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining): Allegations of using public office for profit have been investigated, with subsequent action pending.
Key Ongoing Investigations
1. National Cathedral Project: Investigations into payments by former Finance Minister Kenneth Nana Yaw Ofori-Atta and others linked to procurement and construction activities are ongoing.
2. Ministry of Health/Service Ghana Auto Group (The Ambulance Case): Investigation into a contract for the purchase and maintenance of 307 ambulances is progressing, focusing on procurement irregularities and related offences.
3. National Service Authority: Investigation targets corruption in recruitment processes and other administrative malpractices within the Authority.
4. Ghana Revenue Authority/Tata Consulting Services: Investigation into suspected corruption in the award and execution of a contract for implementing the Integrated Tax Administration System (ITAS) is ongoing.
5. Strategic Mobilization Ghana Limited/Ghana Revenue Authority
6. Illegal Mining Activities: Comprehensive investigation targets officials and entities implicated in “Galamsey,” including Akonta Mining Limited and former members of the Inter-Ministerial Committee.
Source: channel1news