The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) will today, Thursday, December 11, commence the long-awaited prosecution of former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta and seven others over alleged corruption and financial loss to the state.
The OSP confirmed the development in a post on its official social media platform, stating:
“The trial of Kenneth Ofori-Atta and 7 others is expected to start today at Criminal Court 5.”
This follows the filing of a 78-count indictment in November 2025, accusing the former minister and his co-accused of engaging in corruption and corruption-related offences largely connected to contracts involving Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML).
Details of the Accused
- The accused persons include:
- Ernest Darko Akore
- Emmanuel Kofi Nti
- Ammishaddai Owusu-Amoah
- Isaac Crentsil
- Kwadwo Damoah
- Evans Adusei
- Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (as a corporate entity)
According to court documents, the alleged offences span from 2018 to 2024 and involve unlawful payments, procurement breaches, and other infractions said to have caused substantial financial losses to the state.
OSP Responds to Criticism
The OSP noted that all necessary legal procedures have been followed ahead of today’s hearing. It dismissed claims that the case is being rushed, describing such accusations as baseless.
The office added that its priority remains the enforcement of the law, the protection of the constitutional rights of the accused, and ensuring their presence before the court.
Some accused persons, including Mr Ofori-Atta, are currently outside the country and have cited health conditions for their absence. However, the OSP says it has activated all appropriate legal mechanisms—such as formal summons and international cooperation—to secure their attendance.
National Attention Expected
The trial is set against the backdrop of intense national debate about the future of the OSP, with some groups calling for reforms and others urging that the institution be abolished.
Today’s proceedings are expected to attract significant public and political attention as the case begins in Accra.
