OSP to Arraign Ken Ofori-Atta and 7 Others on November 24, 2025, in Landmark 78-Count Corruption Case

Introduction

In a significant development in Ghana’s fight against corruption, the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has announced plans to arraign former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta and seven other individuals and entities on November 24, 2025. This high-profile case involves 78 counts of corruption and related offenses stemming from alleged irregularities in contracts awarded to Strategic Mobilisation Limited (SML). The proceedings highlight ongoing efforts to hold public officials accountable for procurement abuses that reportedly cost the state over GHS 1.4 billion between 2017 and 2024.

This OSP corruption case against Ken Ofori-Atta and associates underscores the importance of transparent public procurement in Ghana. As the nation monitors these events, understanding the charges, key players, and processes involved is crucial for informed public discourse.

Analysis

Background on the OSP and Its Role

The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), established under Ghana’s Office of the Special Prosecutor Act, 2017 (Act 959), is an independent anti-corruption agency tasked with investigating and prosecuting corruption involving public officers, persons with prominent public functions, and related private entities. Led by Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng, the OSP focuses on preventing and combating corruption, recovering illicit assets, and promoting accountability.

In this instance, the OSP’s investigation into the SML contracts reveals a pattern of alleged misconduct in revenue assurance services for the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA). SML, a private firm, was engaged to provide audit and monitoring services in sectors like petroleum and minerals, but the OSP alleges systemic flaws in how these deals were executed.

Details of the Alleged Corruption Scheme

The 78-count charge sheet describes a “criminal enterprise” operating from 2017 to 2024. Core allegations include:

• Collusion between senior Ministry of Finance (MoF) and GRA officials and SML to bypass legal procurement protocols.
• Awarding contracts via single-sourcing without approval from the Public Procurement Authority (PPA) Board or Parliament for high-value deals, violating the Public Procurement Act, 2003 (Act 663).
• Misrepresentations about SML’s financial stability, technical expertise, and partnerships, such as ties to international firm COTECNA S.A.
• Placing SML on “automatic payment” without verifying service delivery, leading to payments exceeding GHS 1.4 billion for undelivered or substandard work.
• Abuse of public office to favor SML’s CEO, Evans Adusei, and the company itself.

A notable element is a halted contract for upstream petroleum and mineral audits, projected at US$2.79 billion over time. President Nana Akufo-Addo suspended payments in early 2024 following a KPMG audit that questioned SML’s value addition, prompting OSP intervention.

Accused Individuals and Entities

The prosecution targets:

Ofori-Atta is currently outside Ghana, with OSP pursuing extradition after failed attempts to secure his appearance.

Summary

The OSP’s move to arraign Ken Ofori-Atta, SML, and six ex-GRA/MoF officials on 78 corruption counts on November 24, 2025, centers on fraudulent SML contracts that allegedly drained GHS 1.4 billion from public coffers. OSP seeks court orders to serve charges on those abroad, marking a pivotal moment in Ghana’s anti-corruption drive.

Key Points

Practical Advice

Understanding Public Procurement in Ghana

Ghana’s Public Procurement Act mandates competitive bidding for most contracts, with single-sourcing allowed only in restricted cases requiring PPA approval. Citizens can monitor tenders via the Public Procurement Portal (PPPortal) and report irregularities to the PPA or OSP hotline (0800-123-456).

How to Report Suspected Corruption

1. Gather verifiable evidence like documents or witness details.
2. Contact OSP via their website (osp.gov.gh), email (info@osp.gov.gh), or anonymous tip lines.
3. Follow up on complaints using reference numbers provided.

For businesses bidding on government contracts, always ensure compliance with Act 663 to avoid SML-like pitfalls. Consult legal experts on due diligence for partnerships.

Educating on Anti-Corruption Measures

Public awareness campaigns by the OSP emphasize whistleblower protections under the Whistleblower Act, 2006 (Act 720). Schools and communities can use OSP resources for workshops on ethical governance.

Points of Caution

• Presumption of Innocence: All accused are innocent until proven guilty in court.
• Media Scrutiny: Verify information from official OSP statements; avoid unconfirmed social media rumors.
• Political Context: Cases like this may fuel partisan debates—focus on facts from verifiable sources.
• Legal Delays: Extradition and service of charges could postpone hearings; track official updates.

Comparison

Versus Previous OSP Cases

This SML scandal dwarfs earlier OSP probes, like the 2023 Airbus bribery case involving officials (fewer counts, international scope) or the 2024 gold laundering investigations. Unlike those, the Ofori-Atta case implicates a former cabinet minister and a revenue-focused entity, potentially recovering billions.

To Broader Ghanaian Corruption Scandals

The SML case stands out for its scale in revenue assurance, contrasting with import-related graft.

Legal Implications

Applicable laws include:

• Corrupt Practices Act: Penalties up to 25 years imprisonment, fines, and asset forfeiture for conspiracy and false pretenses.
• Public Procurement Act (Act 663): Violations lead to contract nullification and blacklisting.
• Criminal Offences Act (Act 29): Abuse of office carries 10+ years.

Corporate liability under the Companies Act allows charging entities like SML. Successful prosecution could set precedents for future audits, with OSP empowered for asset freezes. Extradition follows bilateral treaties, potentially invoking the Fugitive Offenders Act.

Conclusion

The impending OSP arraignment of Ken Ofori-Atta and others in the 78-count SML corruption case on November 24, 2025, represents a critical test for Ghana’s judicial system. By addressing procurement fraud head-on, it reinforces commitments under the UN Convention Against Corruption, which Ghana ratified in 2007. Stakeholders must prioritize evidence-based justice to bolster public trust and economic integrity.

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