Ghana's Office of the Special Prosecutor recovers GH¢35 million, prevents GH¢7 billion in losses
Ghana's Office of the Special Prosecutor OSP has reported significant financial recoveries and loss prevention through its anti-corruption efforts. The agency has recovered GH¢35.14 million in assets and seized or frozen GH¢618 million. Proactive measures by the OSP also averted direct financial losses of GH¢7.18 billion to the State, supported by the suspension or cancellation of seven questionable transactions and 17 pending civil applications for asset preservation. A key focus involved tracking diverted petroleum products, leading to the retrieval of GH¢8,518,233.00 from various bulk oil distributors and marketing entities. Additionally, the OSP recovered USD 2 million, equivalent to GH¢22.38 million, from irregularities within the Minerals Income Investment Fund's gold trading program. Judicial convictions also contributed to public funds, with Thomas Andy Owusu paying GH¢206,000 in a corruption case related to illegal mining licensing, and six individuals in Tamale paying GH¢106,318.95 for salary fraud through a plea bargain. The OSP, in collaboration with the Controller and Accountant General’s Department, identified and blocked GH¢2,854,144.80 in unearned monthly salary payouts from "ghost names" on the Northern Region public payroll in January 2024. The agency also addressed a duty shortfall from unlawful customs advance rulings granted to Labianca Company Limited on frozen food imports, reinforcing its commitment to accountability and safeguarding public resources.
