OSP Declares Ofori-Atta, Akore Fugitives as High-Profile Corruption Cases Intensify

JHNews || Accra, July 31, 2025 – The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has published its half-yearly report highlighting a string of high-profile corruption investigations, prosecutions, and asset recovery efforts, with former Finance Minister Kenneth Nana Yaw Ofori-Atta and his former aide, Ernest Darko Akore, declared fugitives from justice.

According to the report, Mr. Ofori-Atta is under investigation for allegedly using public office for personal benefit in contracts relating to Strategic Mobilization Ghana Limited, the National Cathedral, the Electricity Company of Ghana, and the Ministry of Health’s ambulance procurement, among others. Despite repeated summons, he failed to return to Ghana, citing medical treatment abroad. The OSP, however, rejected his explanations, re-listed him as a wanted person in June 2025, and triggered an INTERPOL Red Notice for his arrest.

Mr. Akore, described as his “chef de cabinet,” was also declared wanted.

In another major case, the OSP reported progress in its long-running probe into former Sanitation Minister Cecilia Abena Dapaah, whose seized funds and assets sparked public outrage in 2023. While no direct corruption evidence was established, suspicions of money laundering prompted a handover of the case to the Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO).

The half-year review detailed seven convictions and one acquittal, including plea bargains that recovered funds for the state. Among the notable prosecutions were:

• Mustapha Abdul-Hamid, former NPA Chief Executive, facing 25 charges including conspiracy and money laundering.
• Charles Cromwell Bissue, ex-Secretary of the Interministerial Committee on Illegal Mining, charged with corruption over alleged bribes for mining concessions.
• Ibrahim Kofi Sessah, a local government technician accused of selling fake Ghana Education Service appointment letters worth over GH¢600,000.
• Tahidu Yakubu and five others, convicted under a plea bargain for manipulating government payroll to include “ghost names.”

The OSP also confirmed 67 ongoing investigations, covering institutions such as the Minerals Income Investment Fund, Ghana Airports Company Limited, Ghana Revenue Authority, Tema Oil Refinery, the National Cathedral, the Ministry of Health, and the Bank of Ghana.

Notably, its joint payroll audit with the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department blocked over GH¢2.8 million in ghost salaries, saving the state more than GH¢34 million annually.

The Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng, used the report to renew calls for sweeping constitutional reforms, including a dedicated anti-corruption chapter, lifestyle audits, and stronger asset declaration regimes. He emphasized that corruption “must be made a high-risk and costly enterprise” if Ghana is to curb entrenched graft.

The OSP also announced its admission into the Network of Anti-Corruption Institutions in West Africa (NACIWA), expanding its international reach in the fight against corruption.

With several trials scheduled for the latter half of 2025, including appeals in ongoing high-profile cases, the OSP pledged to intensify prosecutions while pursuing asset recovery and preventive measures.