OSP records 7 convictions, 1 ccquittal in first half of 2025

The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) says Ghana’s criminal courts delivered seven convictions and one acquittal in cases it prosecuted between January and June 2025.

This was revealed in the OSP’s half-year report prepared in July 2025. The Office noted that it has already filed an appeal against the acquittal, reaffirming its determination to hold public officials accountable under its mandate.

Key Cases Before the Courts

Republic v. Mustapha Abdul-Hamid & Nine Others
Former National Petroleum Authority CEO Mustapha Abdul-Hamid and nine others face 25 counts, including conspiracy to commit extortion, money laundering, and abuse of public office. The case is set for August 26, 2025.

Republic v. Issah Seidu & Three Others
Four public officials are charged with corruption and abuse of office in connection with an attempt to unlawfully appropriate ten containers of rice at Tema Port. Hearing continues on October 21, 2025.

Republic v. Charles Bissue & Others
Charles Cromwell Bissue, former Secretary of the disbanded Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining, has been charged with corruption and abuse of office over alleged bribes for fast-tracked mining approvals. One co-accused, businessman Andy Owusu, has already been convicted after a plea bargain. The case is adjourned to August 28, 2025.

Republic v. Ibrahim Kofi Sessah & Another
A GES technician, Ibrahim Sessah, and accomplices allegedly ran a GH¢604,260 bribery scheme, selling appointment letters to teacher applicants. Sessah faces charges of bribery, money laundering, and abuse of office. The case continues on October 16, 2025.

Republic v. Tahidu Yakubu & Five Others
Six individuals linked to payroll fraud in Yendi pleaded guilty under a plea bargain after investigations uncovered corruption and financial loss to the state. They have since made restitution.

Republic v. Alexander Sarfo-Kantanka
The Juaben Municipal Assembly nominee was acquitted in May 2025 despite evidence of money changing hands with delegates. The OSP has appealed the ruling, arguing errors in law and fact.

Republic v. Northern Development Authority Officials
Four former executives of the Northern Development Authority and a contractor face 11 charges over procurement-related corruption. The case, ongoing since 2024, resumes in October 2025.

Republic v. Adjenim Boateng Adjei
The former Public Procurement Authority boss is on trial for eight counts of using public office for profit and manipulating procurement processes. The case continues on October 20, 2025.

OSP’s Position

The report underlined the OSP’s growing use of plea bargaining, restitution, and restitution-linked settlements in corruption cases, while emphasizing its commitment to pursuing high-profile prosecutions to conclusion.

By mid-2025, the OSP said it had secured convictions in cases involving payroll fraud, illicit mining concessions, and procurement abuse—reflecting what it described as a “measured but determined” approach to accountability.