A significant number of former appointees and officeholders from Ghana’s immediate past New Patriotic Party (NPP) government are currently under intense investigation by various law enforcement agencies across the country. These probes reflect a concerted effort to ensure accountability and transparency in public service, with some investigations already leading to ongoing criminal trials, while others have resulted in formal invitations for questioning regarding their tenures and departmental activities.
From the detailed investigations conducted by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) to those spearheaded by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) and the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), it’s evident that Ghana’s law enforcement bodies are collaborating to bring to light potential irregularities and malfeasance from the previous administration. This widespread scrutiny covers a diverse array of cases, spanning multiple ministries and government projects.
Key Figures and Their Alleged Cases
Here’s a breakdown of some prominent former appointees currently under investigation and the specific allegations they face:
Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh The former Minister for Education and later Energy, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, publicly confirmed his appearance before the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) to answer questions concerning projects initiated and executed during his time in the Akufo-Addo administration. His scrutiny extends to decisions and contracts across both ministries he oversaw during the NPP’s eight-year tenure. This includes, notably, the controversial procurement of mathematical sets and other related matters that raised eyebrows during the previous government.
Ken Ofori-Atta Perhaps one of the most high-profile figures under investigation is the former Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta. The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) is probing him on no less than five separate cases. These include the contentious revenue assurance contracts between Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML) and the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), specifically concerning oversight of petroleum and mineral revenue.
Beyond the SML contract, Ofori-Atta is also under investigation in connection with the much-debated National Cathedral project, a flagship initiative that has faced significant public criticism regarding its funding and execution. Furthermore, he is being probed over ambulance procurements, the abrupt termination of a contract between the Electricity Company of Ghana and Beijing Xiao Cheng Technology (BXC), and the management of the GRA Tax P-Fund, which examines the handling and distribution of funds from the Tax P-Fund Account managed by the GRA.
Chairman Wontumi Bernard Antwi Bosiako, widely known as Chairman Wontumi, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party, is also facing serious allegations. According to Deputy Attorney General Justice Srem Sai, Chairman Wontumi is under investigation for multiple criminal offenses. These include fraud, causing financial loss to the state, and money laundering. Adding another layer of complexity, he is also implicated in a second strand of investigation linked to a broader international organised crime scheme, indicating a potential far-reaching network of illicit activities.
Professor Christopher Ameyaw-Akumfi The former Board Chairman of the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF), Professor Christopher Ameyaw-Akumfi, is currently standing trial in connection with the highly controversial Skytrain project. He faces charges of willfully causing financial loss to the state, intentional dissipation of public funds, and conspiracy to commit a crime. The Skytrain project, which never fully materialized, has been a subject of significant public debate regarding its financial implications and viability.
Solomon Asamoah Mirroring the charges against Professor Christopher Ameyaw-Akumfi, Solomon Asamoah, the former Chief Executive Officer of GIIF, is also standing trial for his alleged role in the controversial Skytrain project. He faces similar charges of willfully causing financial loss to the state, intentional dissipation of public funds, and conspiracy to commit a crime, highlighting a shared legal fate with his former board chairman in relation to the project.
Kwaku Ohene Gyan Kwaku Ohene Gyan, also known as Osonoba, who served as the former Deputy Director in charge of Operations at the National Service Authority (NSA), was detained by the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) on February 22, 2025. His arrest is directly linked to ongoing investigations into the extensive NSA scandal, which involves serious allegations of ghost names being fraudulently added to the payroll, leading to significant financial losses for the state.
Gifty Oware Mensah Also a former Deputy Director of the National Service Authority, Gifty Oware-Mensah, has been detained by the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB). Reports indicate she was taken into custody on Friday, March 7, 2025, and has since been denied bail. Her detention is presumably connected to the same NSA scandal and the broader investigation into the alleged payroll fraud within the authority.
These ongoing investigations signal a strong resolve from the current administration to tackle corruption and ensure that public officials are held to account for their actions during their time in office. As these cases proceed, they are expected to shed more light on the financial dealings and governance practices of the previous government.
Source: http://Thepressradio.com
