OSP 2024 half year report states how it is investigating National Cathedral project and vote buying in Election 2024

In its half-year report from July to December 2024, the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has explained that it was investigating 197 additional complaints at various stages of review. 

In the report released on Monday morning (Jan 13, 2025), the Special Prosecutor said it will publicise and proceed with cases that meet the threshold for full investigation and fall within the Office’s remit.

Among the cases, the OSP explained were under investigation was the National Cathedral project.

It said "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."  

National Service Authority 

Again, it said the Office has commenced investigation into suspected corruption and corruption-related offences in respect of the activities of the National Service Authority, especially the recruitment of national service personnel and related activities. 

Attached below is a copy of the full report

Significant Highlights of the Half-Yearly Report (July–December 2024)

Key Introduction:

The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) serves as Ghana’s premier independent anti-corruption body, empowered to investigate and prosecute corruption-related offences under Act 959.

It operates autonomously, with a unique mandate to target public officials, politically exposed persons, and private individuals. The OSP actively fought against electoral corruption during the 2024 general elections, deploying covert operatives to monitor and suppress vote buying and selling.

It launched public awareness campaigns to highlight the dangers of electoral corruption and encouraged citizens to reject bribery and manipulation.

Challenges Faced:

The Office faced legal challenges, including attempts to question the constitutionality of its mandate at the Supreme Court, public misinformation, and resource constraints, limiting its ability to fully execute its mandate and address the high volume of corruption cases.

Institutional resistance and delayed compliance with directives from other agencies further hampered 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.

Completed Investigations:

1.      Ghana Police Service: Recruitment-related corruption in Course 51 Cadet Officers Training has been concluded; the Special Prosecutor will determine next steps.

2.      Gaming Commission of Ghana: Investigation into the procurement contract awarded to Turfsport Ghana Limited has concluded; further directives are awaited.

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: Probe into payments by former Finance Minister Kenneth Nana Yaw Ofori-Atta and others linked to procurement and construction activities is under review.

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.

The OSP is investigating 197 additional complaints at various stages of review. The Special Prosecutor will publicise and proceed with cases that meet the threshold for full investigation and fall within the Office’s remit.

Half_Yearly_Report_December_2024.pdf