OSP's Strategic Anti-Corruption Drive Saves Ghana GH¢5.7 Billion
Ghana's Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has demonstrated remarkable fiscal impact, saving the nation GH¢5.7 billion through the cancellation of the Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML) contract and strategic interventions in corruption cases.
Presidential Leadership Drives Economic Protection
In its comprehensive half-year report for the second half of 2025, the OSP commended President Mahama's decisive action in cancelling the SML contract based on OSP findings. This strategic decision prevented what the report describes as "false claims" that would have cost Ghana over GH¢5.7 billion.
The investigation revealed that key individuals, including former Finance Minister Kenneth Ofori-Atta and former GRA commissioners, allegedly sought to extract US$2.8 billion from national resources through questionable contractual arrangements.
Innovation in Revenue Protection
The cancelled SML contract, initially designed for revenue assurance in petroleum and minerals sectors, was found to be based on false claims about sophisticated audit technology. Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng stated there was "no genuine need" for the arrangement, with investigations revealing "egregious statutory breaches" and disregarded mandatory approvals.
Institutional Resilience Under Pressure
Despite facing unprecedented political resistance, including parliamentary petitions to abolish the OSP and subsume it under the Attorney General's Department, the institution has proven its value through measurable results.
The OSP has saved the state twenty times the total funds allocated to it since inception, demonstrating exceptional return on investment in anti-corruption efforts.
Asset Recovery Success Stories
Beyond the SML case, the OSP has seized over GH¢100 million in assets, including fuel stations, luxury apartments in East Legon and Airport Residential Area, and prime land linked to corruption cases.
A pilot joint operation with the Controller and Accountant General's Department in Northern Region blocked GH¢2.85 million in monthly unearned salaries by eliminating "ghost names" from government payroll.
Preventive Measures Yield Results
The OSP's proactive approach has prevented an estimated GH¢345 million in potential losses by flagging the Ghana Health Service's exclusive disinfection deal with LCB Worldwide as an "immense systemic corruption risk."
Future Outlook and Constitutional Reform
With the SML trial set to commence on February 26, 2026, the OSP continues building Ghana's institutional capacity for transparent governance. Special Prosecutor Agyebeng has endorsed constitutional entrenchment of the OSP as an independent anti-corruption commission with adequate resources.
This institutional strengthening aligns with Ghana's broader economic reform agenda, positioning the country as a leader in transparent governance and business-friendly environments that attract both local and diaspora investment.