The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) says it is investigating the operations of the Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF), particularly transactions between 2020 and 2024.
The probe, it emphasised, focuses on payments connected with Agyapa Royalties Limited, the Small Scale Mining Incubation Programme (SSMIP), the Quarry Value Addition Programme (QVaP), a projected lithium-focused exploration and development corporation, and the Enchi Gold Project.
This is contained in the OSP’s mid-year report covering activities from January 2025-July 2025.
Other areas under scrutiny include all investments by MIIF, funds expended on the Chairman of the Board of Directors, operational funds of MIIF, purchase of land for an intended office building, contracts and agreements entered into by MIIF, and publications by the Fund.
The OSP stated that the investigation targets both serving and former officials of MIIF, as well as several entities including Asante Gold Corporation, ElectroChem Ghana Limited, Goldridge Ghana Limited, GIG Minerals Limited, RCM Properties, Energy and Resources Company Limited, Goldstrom Ghana Limited and BH Minerals Limited.
The OSP said the Office is also investigating suspected corruption in the operations and contractual arrangements of the Ghana Airports Company Limited covering the period 2020–2024.
Again, the OSP has opened investigations into the large-scale sale of appointment letters to prospective teachers and the laundering of proceeds from the unlawful enterprise.
Furthermore, the OSP revealed that its investigations are ongoing into the operations of the National Commission on Culture between 2020 and 2024, focusing on suspected corruption and extortion in relation to staff salaries and arrears.
Again, under investigation by the OSP is the probe into the procurement processes leading to the award of a contract by the Ghana Revenue Authority to Tata Consulting Services for the implementation of the Integrated Tax Administration System (ITaS) for the Domestic Tax Revenue Division.
The OSP is also investigating the recruitment of national service personnel and related activities between 2020 and 2024 at the National Service Authority.
In the health sector, the OSP mentioned that it is investigating suspected corruption, regarding a contract awarded by the Ministry of Health (initially commenced by the Ministry for Special Development Initiatives) to Service Ghana Auto Group Limited. The case involves payments for after-sales service and maintenance of 307 Mercedes Benz Sprinter ambulances for the National Ambulance Service.
The OSP said it is investigating into suspected corruption in the procurement of contractors and materials for the National Cathedral, as well as payments made by former Finance Minister, Kenneth Nana Yaw Ofori-Atta, and the National Cathedral Secretariat.
Besides, the OSP mentioned that it is probing contractual arrangements and management of Tema Oil Refinery between 2020 and 2024, including dealings with Tema Energy and Processing Limited.
The OSP further underlined that investigations are being carried out on suspected corruption in the termination of a Distribution, Loss Reduction and Network Improvement Project contract between the Electricity Company of Ghana Limited and Beijing Xiao Cheng Technology (BXC).
Aside that, the OSP said, it is collaboration with the Controller and Accountant General’s Department (CAGD), has begun a corruption risk assessment into government payroll administration.
Moreover, It outlined that a pilot exercise carried out in the Northern Region between December 2023 and April 2024 identified wrongful salary payments amounting to GH¢2,854,144.80, traced to deceased, retired, missing or untraceable staff.
The report also noted that the recovery blocked an equivalent of GH¢34,249,737.60 in projected losses for the 2024 financial year. The OSP confirmed that six convictions were secured with restitution payments to the Republic during the review period.
On state land and acquisition, the OSP pointed out that it is investigating the appropriation, sale and lease of state-owned and vested lands since 1993. This includes properties under the stewardship of the Lands Commission, Ministry of Works and Housing, State Housing Company, state-owned companies and lands occupied by the Judicial Service.
On illegal mining, also known as galamsey, the OSP noted that investigations were underway into illegal mining (galamsey). The focus includes the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, the Forestry Commission and the dissolved Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining (IMCIM).
The probe also covers the activities of Akonta Mining Limited and other companies, foreign nationals allegedly involved in illegal mining, and allegations against some Municipal and District Chief Executives.
Again, the OSP stated that it is investigating contracts awarded by the National Sports Authority to several entities, including Acoma Green Consult, Tabee Gh. Limited, Wanschie Car Rentals, Obiri Car Rentals, No Farmer No Fortune, STC Clinic, Bobina Solutions and Mum & Sons Signature.
It said investigations are underway into contracts awarded by Ghana Water Company Limited to entities such as Nayak 96 Enterprise, Dencom Construction Works, Edmus Limited, Jomaks, Espab Construction Limited, Roger More Construction Limited, Velech Enterprise, Intermec Gh. Limited and AJI Trading & Construction Limited.
Additionally, the OSP stated that it is investigating suspected corruption in the issuance of customs advance rulings and markdowns of benchmark values, as well as the auction sales of vehicles and goods between July 2016 and August 2022.
The OSP also noted that it has launched investigations into the banking and financial sector crisis that led to the collapse of some banks and financial institutions, as well as the subsequent financial sector cleanup and recapitalisation reforms.
The OSP said it conducting investigations into the alleged improper acquisition of state-protected land at the Achimota Forest enclave and the Sakumono Ramsar site by the late Kwadwo Owusu Afriyie, also known as Sir John.
The OSP confirmed that 152 additional cases remain at the preliminary investigation stage. These cases may be publicised if determined to be within the Office’s mandate.
BY MALIK SULLEMANA
Follow our WhatsApp Channel
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbAjG7g3gvWajUAEX12Q
