The criminal trial of Ken Ofori-Atta, former Finance Minister, is scheduled to resume on Thursday, August 27, 2026, following a Supreme Court ruling affirming the constitutional validity of the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) Act, 2017 (Act 959). This landmark decision effectively removes a major legal hurdle that had raised serious questions regarding the OSP’s authority to investigate and prosecute corruption-related offenses without prior authorization. The OSP announced the date in a Facebook post on Monday, August 10, 2026, signaling the return of proceedings in a number of corruption cases initiated since April this year. The Supreme Court ruling is a pivotal moment, resolving a protracted legal challenge concerning the OSP’s powers and establishing a crucial safeguard for the integrity of the investigation process. The suspension of the trial stemmed from a High Court decision questioning aspects of the OSP’s prosecutorial mandate, highlighting concerns about the scope of the prosecution’s authority. The OSP has charged 28 individuals, including former GRA Commissioners-General Emmanuel Kofi Nti and Ammishaddai Owusu-Amoah, former Customs Commissioners Isaac Crentsil and Kwadwo Damoah, SML Chief Executive Officer Evans Adusei, and former Chief of Cabinet to Mr Ofori-Atta, Ernest Darko Akore. The prosecution alleges that these individuals were involved in various acts of corruption and corruption-related offenses connected to the OSP’s investigation into revenue assurance contracts between Strategic Mobilisation Limited (SML) and the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA). The financial implications of these contracts, particularly the significant revenue generated, have been a central focus of public scrutiny. Mr Ofori-Atta’s US residency is also a significant point of interest. Following a US Immigration Court approval for his adjustment of status, he secured permanent residency in the United States. His lawyers announced in June 2026 that his application for a Green Card had been approved, signifying a positive development in his immigration process. The OSP has consistently cautioned against treating findings made in the immigration proceedings as evidence of the merits of the corruption case against Mr Ofori-Atta, emphasizing that its involvement in the United States relates to extradition proceedings being pursued through the Attorney-General. The anti-corruption agency explained that it was not a party to the US immigration proceedings and that its involvement in the United States is primarily focused on extradition proceedings, with the Attorney-General overseeing the process. It further clarified that the extradition documents were not presented to the US Immigration Court. The Supreme Court’s decision to uphold the OSP Act represents a significant step forward in safeguarding the integrity of the criminal justice system in Ghana. With the resumption of the substantive proceedings against Mr Ofori-Atta and the other accused persons, the focus will shift to the ongoing investigation and potential prosecution of these individuals, potentially impacting the investigation into the revenue assurance contracts and the roles of officials and private-sector actors involved in their implementation. The OSP has stated that its objective is to ensure the full and effective application of the law and to uphold the rule of law within Ghana.”}” ,
Watch Related Video
Source: MyJoyOnline
