OSP slaps Ken Ofori-Atta, SML executives with 78 charges in major corruption case

The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has lodged formal charges against former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML), and six other individuals, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing corruption probe involving state contracts.

A total of 78 charges have been levelled, covering various corruption-related offences arising from the award and execution of contracts between the government and SML.

This development follows President John Mahama’s directive on October 31 ordering the immediate cancellation of all SML-related contracts. The move came just a day after the OSP confirmed that it had concluded its investigations into the controversial deals, which had attracted intense national scrutiny.

At a press briefing on Thursday, October 30, Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng disclosed that investigators had uncovered substantial evidence of financial improprieties involving high-ranking officials from the Ministry of Finance, the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), and individuals linked to SML.

Among those expected to stand trial are Ernest Akore, former Chef de Cabinet to the Finance Minister; former GRA Commissioners-General Emmanuel Kofi Nti and Rev. Ammishaddai Owusu-Amoah; Isaac Crentsil, former Customs Division Commissioner and later SML General Manager; and Kwadwo Damoah, former Customs Commissioner and current MP for Jaman South.

The OSP is expected to proceed with prosecution as the case enters its next phase.