National Cathedral: OSP Probes Alleged Payment by Ken Ofori-Atta

The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has launched investigations into suspected corruption and related offences linked to the National Cathedral project. The probe covers issues such as procurement of contractors and materials, payments allegedly made by former Finance Minister Kenneth Nana Yaw Ofori-Atta, disbursements from the National Cathedral Secretariat, and other transactions connected to the construction.

The OSP is also looking into questionable contractual dealings between Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) and Tema Energy and Processing Limited, as well as TOR’s operations and management from 2020 to 2024.

In addition, the Office is examining reports of large-scale sale of appointment letters to aspiring teachers and the laundering of funds derived from the practice.

These details were highlighted in the OSP’s 2025 Half-Year Report, made public on Tuesday, August 19. The report also disclosed that the Office is investigating the activities of the National Commission on Culture between 2020 and 2024, particularly suspected corruption and extortion regarding staff salaries and arrears.

Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng, in the report’s preface, stressed that the fight against corruption goes beyond punishment and imprisonment. He explained that the OSP’s mandate prioritizes prevention, asset recovery, and reclaiming tainted property.

“Therefore, our approach to anti-corruption is built on strong enforcement, effective prevention, and asset recovery, reinforced by our unique plea bargaining system,” he said.

He added that the OSP has strengthened its preventive role through engagement with state institutions, private sector players, and civil society, while also achieving convictions and asset recoveries via plea bargaining.

Mr. Agyebeng further underscored the need to modernize Ghana’s anti-corruption laws. He revealed that the OSP has proposed a new constitutional chapter dedicated to anti-corruption efforts. This would enshrine firm national commitments such as lifestyle audits, non-conviction-based asset recovery, stricter asset declaration and verification, and a presumption of corruption for both criminal trials and civil asset recovery.

He also announced that the OSP is leading the push for a Comprehensive Corrupt Practices Act and a Conduct of Public Officers Act.

“As one of the three implementing partners of the new National Ethics and Anti-Corruption Strategy and Implementation Plan, the Office is building structures that will endure. The challenge is significant, but our determination is even greater,” he concluded.