The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), the stalwart guardians of justice and transparency, has caused shockwaves with the release of their eagerly awaited Half-Year Report for 2024.
Led by the Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng, the OSP spared no punches in their tiptoeing pursuit of corruption and all its vile manifestations.
In a riveting update delivered on July 11th, the OSP delved into the dark underbelly of corruption plaguing the nation.
Touching on the main issues, the OSP disclosed it has three (3) substantive criminal cases being tried before the courts.
From the headline-grabbing trial of the former Chief Executive of Public Procurement Authority, Sumaila Abdul Rahman, to the controversial Airbus SE saga which resulted in the resignation of its first head, Martin Amidu who cited meddling from President Akufo Addo; the report painted a vivid picture of a nation grappling with the insidious grip of corruption. After a tumultuous journey through the corridors of power and international scrutiny, the OSP vowed to pursue justice relentlessly, coordinating with global authorities to unearth the truth buried beneath layers of deception.
The Office said it has concluded investigation into suspected corruption and corruption-related offences in respect of the procurement and the award of a contract to Turfsport Ghana Limited by the Gaming Commission of Ghana (GCG).
From ongoing investigations to high-stakes court cases, the report highlighted the rampant malfeasance rampant in the country during the period of January 1st to June 30th, 2024.
Noteworthy mentions included the intensely scrutinized case involving former Minister for Sanitation and Water Resources, Cecilia Abena Dapaah.
Brushing off the dense fog of intrigue surrounding the alleged money laundering debacle, the OSP shed light on the complex tussle between different investigative bodies, leaving the public on tenterhooks for the final outcome.
But the spotlight truly shone on the three explosive criminal cases currently unfolding in the courts, namely; the one concerning the former Chief Executive of Public Procurement Authority (PPA) at Criminal Division of the High Court, Accra, Sumaila Abdul Rahman, Stephen Yir-Eru Engmen, Patrick Seidu & Andrew Kuundaari and Alexander Kwabena Sarfo Kantanka.
Furthermore, the report revealed a labyrinth of corruption investigations spanning various sectors of society. It said the Office has concluded investigation into allegations of the use of public office for profit against Mr. Charles Bissue, during his tenure as Secretary to the erstwhile Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining (IMCIM), leading to an investigative documentary titled Galamsey Fraud. Mr Bissau is now the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for the Essikadu Ketan constituency in the Western Region.
From the murky world of police recruitment to the dubious dealings within the Gaming Commission and the specter of illicit profiteering haunting officials of the NPP government, the report revealed a bazar of trouble corruption cases gripping the country.
Amidst the tumult of ongoing investigations, the OSP also issued a stern warning to those toying with the flames of corruption.
The chilling directive to suspend certain dubious partnerships and operations sent shockwaves through the corridors of power, signalling the spectre of the coming Armageddon
Among others, the report indicated it is in collaboration with the Controller and Accountant General’s Department (CAGD) in a corruption risk assessment and investigation into suspected corruption and corruption- related offences in respect of Government Payroll Administration often referred to as ‘ghost names’.
Again, the Office has commenced extensive investigation into suspected corruption and corruption-related offences in respect of the sale of Ghana Education Service (GES) appointment letters and employment to applicants. The investigation apparently covers a network of some staff of GES and middlemen suspected to be engaged in the use of public office for profit through the sale of appointment letters and employment to applicants.
Another case of importance is the Strategic Mobilization Ghana Limited and Ghana Revenue Authority after the Fourth Estate, a media organization ked by Manasseh Azure Awuni, petitioned the Office. The complaint alleged possible corruption, including breaches of the Public Procurement Act, in respect of the contractual arrangements.
Recalled that last December, president Akufo-Addo ordered KPMG to look into the expose by the media organization. Final report by KPMG was presented to the presidency earlier this year but it later made it public after fierce attempt to keep it away. The OSP said it has incorporated the outcome of the KPMG audit in its ongoing investigation.
Also on the list of on-going cases the Office is looking at is the Office is analysis of the risk of corruption regarding a proposed partnership agreement between Tema Oil Refinery and Tema Energy and Processing Limited.
“The Special Prosecutor has directed the Management of Tema Oil Refinery to immediately suspend the proposed partnership agreement, ongoing negotiations, operations, and all other ancillary activities arising out of and consequent upon the proposed partnership agreement until otherwise advised by the Special Prosecutor”, the Office said.
Additionally, the OSP said there is investigation ongoing in respect of suspected corruption and corruption-related offences regarding the termination of a Distribution, Loss Reduction and Associated Network Improvement Project contract between the Electricity Company of Ghana Limited and Beijing Xiao Cheng Technology (BXC).
As the report drew to a close, tantalizing hints were dropped regarding the multitude of cases simmering beneath the surface, waiting to explode into the public consciousness.
Notably however, the report left out the case of a $100 million doll out to Asante Gold Corporation by Bank of Ghana which petition has been lying on the shelves of the OSP unattended, suggesting selectivity in its choice of cases to report.
Source: whatsupnewsghana