Mourinho is a former coach of Real Madrid

José Mourinho has revealed that Lionel Messi made him a better coach, admitting that facing the Argentine constantly pushed him to rethink his tactics and approach at the highest level of football.

The Portuguese tactician, who battled Messi in some of the fiercest clashes of his career while managing Inter Milan and Real Madrid, said the Barcelona legend left a lasting imprint on his development as a manager.

Speaking about the opponent who most influenced his managerial career, Mourinho mentioned the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner.

“Messi, because every time we played against him, he forced me to think a lot,” he revealed.

How a jersey fight with Ivory Coast fired up Zambia to AFCON 2012 glory

During his time at Inter, Mourinho’s side overcame Messi’s Barcelona in the 2010 Champions League semi-final in what remains one of his most celebrated tactical triumphs.

Later, at Real Madrid, he repeatedly faced Messi in El Clásico showdowns that became global spectacles, with the Argentine often at the heart of Barcelona’s dominance.

Reflecting on those encounters, Mourinho has previously admitted that Messi’s presence changed the way he approached games.

“Messi never played for my team, but he played against me and he has made me a better coach for having to prepare matches [to stop him],” he said in an earlier interview.

FKA/MA

Watch the key highlights from the 2025 GFA Ordinary Congress

New Patriotic Party (NPP) activist Daniel Adomako, popularly known on social media as Sir Obama Pokuase, has accused the Ghana Police Service of subjecting him to a dehumanising experience during his arrest on Wednesday, August 13.

The Police, in a statement, claimed he was arrested in an intelligence-led operation targeting the illegal possession and public display of sophisticated weapons. The operation, conducted in collaboration with other security agencies, followed the circulation of images and videos allegedly shared by Mr. Adomako on social media, showing individuals openly brandishing high-grade firearms.

While the Police insisted he was needed to assist in investigations, the manner of his arrest at dawn has attracted widespread condemnation.

Speaking after his release on Eko Sii Sen on Asempa FM, Mr. Adomako recounted that he was picked up around 3:45 a.m. when armed officers broke through his kitchen before forcing their way into his bedroom, where he was with his wife.

“They broke into my room, which has a wooden door, and forcibly entered, destroying valuables. Then they entered my bedroom, and I was in shorts, and they whisked me away with two V-8s blaring sirens. These were eight fully armed men,” he narrated.

Read Also: Police arrest NPP activist ‘Sir Obama Pokuase’ over illegal arms display

Mr. Adomako said he was first detained at the National Signals Bureau at Labone before being transferred to the Police CID headquarters, where interrogation began. His lawyers and party elders later joined the process.

He was subsequently charged and put before court, where he pleaded guilty. Upon his lawyers’ request, he was granted bail of GHS 50,000 with two sureties, one of whom had to be a salaried government worker. However, he claimed the Court Registrar declined to process the bail that same day, leading to his continued detention.

“It was really sad. It was as if I were a hardened criminal. If indeed you’re calling me as a suspect to assist in investigations, you don’t treat me like this,” he said.

According to him, he remained in Police custody from Wednesday to Monday before finally being released. His phones, laptops, and other electronic devices were seized as exhibits.

Just after meeting his bail conditions, Mr Adomako said he was informed of another case brought against him dating back to 2020, involving Ghana’s current High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Mrs. Sabah Zita Benson.

He explained that both parties had filed complaints against each other at the time, but never pursued the matter further. The case, however, was unexpectedly revived following his recent arrest.

Mr Adomako noted that neither of them eventually followed up with the case, and he assumed it was a dead matter until it resurfaced recently following his arrest for a different case.

“So, this matter came to me as a surprise when it came up this afternoon. But as you lawyers say, crime has no expiry,” he remarked.

He, however, disclosed that a compromise was reached and that the matter has since been settled.

Read Also: Fact-check: Sir-Obama Pokuase’s viral gun photo not linked to Ghana – It’s a 16-year-old stock image

Mr Adomako maintains that he is being targeted by political opponents who want to instill fear in him because he is seen as a strong critic. He questioned the genuineness of the reasons given by the Police Service for his arrest, claiming that the video he shared online was rather helpful in aiding police investigations into criminal activity.

Mr Adomako, who has also been very critical of the current Inspector General of Police and has repeatedly demanded his removal on social media, believes that may have played a role in the actions taken against him by the Police.

Watch the interview with Sir Obama Pokuase below:

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

World Bank urges government to stick to IMF targets

The World Bank has admonished the government to focus on fiscal consolidation as a means of enhancing macroeconomic stability.

According to its latest update on the Ghanaian economy, the Bank noted that the economy is currently on a positive growth trajectory; however, reforms remain crucial.

In its short-term projections, the World Bank emphasised that the government must prioritise restoring macro-financial stability, which is critical for promoting private investment-led growth and job creation.

OSP Half-Year Report: List of cases under full investigation

The report further highlighted that strict adherence to fiscal targets agreed under the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Extended Credit Facility (ECF) Program is vital to keeping debt on a sustainable path.

On Public Financial Management (PFM), the Bank recommended:

• Implementing new fiscal rules and adequately resourcing the Fiscal Council for effective oversight.

• Ensuring compliance with amendments to the Public Procurement Act to manage commitments and prevent the accumulation of arrears.

• Enforcing blanket purchase orders for multiyear infrastructure projects.

• Implementing an arrears management framework and strengthening cash flow mechanisms.

It added that the full adoption of PFM systems such as the Ghana Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS) and the Ghana Electronic Procurement System (GHANEPS) across all ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs), as well as metropolitan, municipal, and district assemblies (MMDAs), together with the integration of all spending accounts into the Treasury Single Account (TSA), will enhance transparency and control.

The World Bank also urged the government to fully implement revenue measures outlined in the 2025 budget, which are expected to yield additional revenue of at least 0.6% of GDP in 2025, consistent with ECF program targets.

Additionally, enforcing the Tax Exemptions Law and establishing a comprehensive tax expenditure repository will improve accountability and transparency.

Strengthening the capacity of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) to roll out the Integrated Tax Administration System (ITAS) and conduct risk-based audits will also boost tax compliance.

On the financial sector, the report called for the recapitalisation of all financial institutions in line with the Financial Sector Strengthening Strategy (FSSS). It further recommended tackling the issue of high non-performing loans (NPLs) through a comprehensive asset quality review to guide bank-specific action plans.

Finally, the Bank advised the Bank of Ghana to avoid large foreign exchange interventions to reduce distortions in the market.

SEC plans to regulate forex trading in Ghana – Deputy Director-General

SSD/MA

The ad-hoc tribunal was established under the Ghana Gold Board Act, 2025

The Minister of Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, has inaugurated the Gold Board Tribunal, tasked with handling appeals related to decisions of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), including licensing matters and rulings from the Dispute Resolution Committee.

The ad-hoc tribunal was established under the Ghana Gold Board Act, 2025.

Higher lending rates result in higher default rates – GAB on NPLs

The Chairperson of the tribunal, Biadala Mortey Akpadzi, together with two members, Hamidu Mariam and Justin Pwavra Teriwajah, took their oaths of office, formally underscoring the tribunal’s role as an independent appellate body whose decisions carry the same binding weight as High Court judgments. Appeals from the tribunal may be taken to the Court of Appeal.

GCX trade turnover hits GH¢24.3 million in 2024 – Report

In his address, Dr Forson highlighted the importance of transparency and due process in Ghana’s gold sector, stressing that the tribunal would play a vital role in balancing regulatory oversight with fair treatment of industry stakeholders.

He urged the newly sworn-in members to uphold integrity, impartiality, and professionalism as they carry out their mandate.

The Gold Board Tribunal is a non-permanent, ad-hoc body convened as needed to review appeals against GoldBod decisions, particularly licensing determinations and disputes heard by the Dispute Resolution Committee.

Its structure reflects the need for both legal and industry expertise: a chairperson with a legal background or substantial experience in the gold industry, supported by two members with expertise in minerals and mining law or commerce.

Key features of the tribunal include:

• Purpose: Acts as the appeals body for GoldBod decisions, including licensing issues.

• Composition: A chairperson and two members appointed on an ad-hoc basis.

• Function: Ensures a fair and transparent review process for affected parties.

Authority: Decisions are legally binding, equivalent to High Court judgments, with further appeals allowed at the Court of Appeal.

• Establishment: Created under the Ghana Gold Board Act, 2025, which defines its structure and powers.

Members of the Tribunal:

• Chairperson: Biadala Mortey Akpadzi

• Member: Hamidu Mariam

• Member: Justin Pwavra Teriwajah

The official inauguration marks a milestone in modernising oversight mechanisms for gold licensing and dispute resolution, signalling a step toward standardised, high-quality adjudication in the gold trading industry.

SSD/MA

By Iddi Yire, GNA 

Accra, Aug 19, GNA – Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has held a meeting with the hierarchy of the Ghana Prisons Service, led by the Director-General, Mrs Patience Baffoe-Bonnie.  

A statement issued by the office of the Vice President said during the meeting, they discussed challenges facing the Service and how they could address them. 

The Vice President also spoke about the need for strong public education and encouraged collaboration with other state agencies and the media.  

She commended the Service for its interventions, particularly its promising campaign in agriculture. 

Vice President Prof Opoku-Agyemang assured the Leadership of Government’s commitment to improving conditions within the Prisons Service.  

“As a responsible nation, it is our duty to ensure dignified conditions for inmates, to offer meaningful reforms, and to provide the necessary support for their reintegration into society,” she stated. 

GNA  

Edited by Lydia Kukua Asamoah  

Mensah Thompson is the acting Deputy Director-General of SEC

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has announced plans to introduce regulatory guidelines for foreign exchange (forex) trading in Ghana.

According to the SEC, the initiative forms part of measures to safeguard investors and strengthen Ghana’s financial sector.

Globally, forex trading accounts for an estimated US$6.6 trillion in daily transactions.

Speaking at an engagement with the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), the Acting Deputy Director-General of SEC, Mensah Thompson, revealed that a regulatory framework is currently being developed.

OSP Half-Year Report: List of cases under full investigation

“We are currently developing the guidelines on forex trading and so very soon we are going to regulate and license forex traders in this country,” he said.

He further disclosed that the Commission is streamlining the process of verifying licensed investment companies, including the introduction of a short code system that will enable the public to easily confirm the status of genuine operators and avoid fraudulent schemes.

“The purpose of the short code is for easy verification of licensed operators,” he explained.

For his part, the President of the Ghana Journalists Association, Albert Dwumfour, commended the SEC’s initiatives and stressed the importance of collaboration between regulators and the media to promote financial literacy and protect the investing public.

Government pays GH¢809 million to Pokuase-Nsawam Highway contractor

“We acknowledge the critical work of the Securities and Exchange Commission, especially recognising SEC as a crucial pillar of our nation’s economic architecture,” he added.

SP/MA

‘Last Wave’: Defence Press Corps captures Dr Omane Boamah’s final assignment

By Michael Foli Jackidy

Agotime (V/R), Aug. 18, GNA – The Chiefs and people of the Agotime Traditional Area in the Agotime-Ziope District, joined by sister communities from Togo, have celebrated the 30th Kente Festival with renewed calls for unity, cultural preservation, and accelerated development.

This year’s festival, held on Saturday at Kpetoe, was themed “Woven Together: Kente, Agortime’s Creative Gift to the World.” The colourful event attracted government officials, traditional leaders, tourists, and dignitaries from Ghana and abroad.

Delivering the keynote address, Mr Alex Segbefia, Chief of Staff at the Office of the Vice President and Guest of Honour, announced that government would allocate $2 billion annually under the “Big Push Agenda” over the next five years to accelerate infrastructural development nationwide. Priority areas, he said, would include education, healthcare, and transportation to boost productivity and attract investment.

He assured the people that roads linking Ho to Tokor through Kpetoe would be upgraded to support tourism, strengthen the Kente industry, and draw investors.

The Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie, in her remarks, highlighted the global recognition of Kente as a UNESCO-listed cultural heritage. She pledged government’s commitment to developing the Agotime Kente Village into a world-class tourist attraction.

The Volta Regional Minister, Mr James Gunu, commended the people of Agotime for sustaining their cultural identity through Kente weaving over three decades. He encouraged weavers to take advantage of growing international demand, stressing that “every cloth produced here carries the soul of Agortime, woven carefully by generations.”

Mr Gunu also outlined ongoing projects under the 2025 Big Push Road Infrastructure Programme, including the rehabilitation of the Ho–Kpetoe, Kpetoe–Afiadenyigba, and Penyi–Aflao roads. He further announced the rehabilitation of the Kpetoe Water Treatment Plant, scheduled for completion within three months, and the extension of potable water under the 5-District Water Supply Project from Adidome through Adaklu Waya to Kpetoe.

Nene Nuer Keteku IV, Konor of the Agotime Traditional Area and President of the Agotime Traditional Council, described the festival theme as a timely call to unity and innovation in sustaining the Kente heritage. He appealed to the government to complete stalled projects

such as the Kente Village Project, the College of Education in Agotime, and the Afegame ICT Centre, while also rehabilitating key infrastructure including roads, bridges, and water systems.

He lamented persistent water challenges in the area, noting that seasonal drying of local rivers forces women and children to trek long distances in search of water, with dire consequences for health and livelihoods. He also called for urgent repairs to the old Tordzie River bridge, describing it as a growing safety hazard.

“Without a sense of history, we are like a zebra without its stripes. Our heritage, when combined with education and innovation, is the key to our survival and prosperity,” he declared.

The festival climaxed with a grand durbar of chiefs, cultural performances, and colourful displays of Kente, reinforcing Agotime’s reputation as not only the home of Ghana’s most treasured cloth but also a centre of cultural tourism, innovation, and development.

GNA

Edited By: Maxwell Awumah/Audrey Dekalu

Mensah Thompson is the acting Deputy Director-General of SEC

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has announced plans to introduce regulatory guidelines for foreign exchange (forex) trading in Ghana.

According to the SEC, the initiative forms part of measures to safeguard investors and strengthen Ghana’s financial sector.

Globally, forex trading accounts for an estimated US$6.6 trillion in daily transactions.

Speaking at an engagement with the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), the Acting Deputy Director-General of SEC, Mensah Thompson, revealed that a regulatory framework is currently being developed.

OSP Half-Year Report: List of cases under full investigation

“We are currently developing the guidelines on forex trading and so very soon we are going to regulate and license forex traders in this country,” he said.

He further disclosed that the Commission is streamlining the process of verifying licensed investment companies, including the introduction of a short code system that will enable the public to easily confirm the status of genuine operators and avoid fraudulent schemes.

“The purpose of the short code is for easy verification of licensed operators,” he explained.

For his part, the President of the Ghana Journalists Association, Albert Dwumfour, commended the SEC’s initiatives and stressed the importance of collaboration between regulators and the media to promote financial literacy and protect the investing public.

Government pays GH¢809 million to Pokuase-Nsawam Highway contractor

“We acknowledge the critical work of the Securities and Exchange Commission, especially recognising SEC as a crucial pillar of our nation’s economic architecture,” he added.

SP/MA

‘Last Wave’: Defence Press Corps captures Dr Omane Boamah’s final assignment

Cecilia Abena Dapaah, former Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources

The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has said its investigations into former Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources, Cecilia Abena Dapaah, have not uncovered direct evidence of corruption, though suspicions of money laundering remain.

In its latest half-year report released on August 19, 2025, the OSP recalled that the probe began in July 2023 following revelations of “large amounts of money and other valuable items involving Ms. Cecilia Abena Dapaah and her associates.”

After nearly seven months of investigations, conducted alongside a parallel inquiry by the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the OSP disclosed that the allegations of corruption could not be substantiated.

“No direct and immediate evidence of corruption was found in respect of seized funds and frozen bank accounts linked to Ms. Dapaah and her associates,” the Office stated.

However, the report stressed that the matter is far from closed.

The OSP noted that the inquiries unearthed “strong indications of suspected money laundering and structuring,” which fall beyond its [OSP] direct mandate.

OSP Half-Year Report: List of cases under full investigation

The former minister came under the spotlight after huge sums of foreign and local currency were reportedly stolen from her Abelemkpe residence in 2023, sparking a public outcry and subsequent investigations.

See the full report below:

MA

Charles Taylor (L) others presented various prizes

The fourth edition of the Back to North K Health Walk has brought together over 300 participants from diverse backgrounds, who went through some principal streets in Accra to raise awareness about the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

The event kicked off at Holy Trinity Hospital, winding through some key areas in the Okaikoi South Constituency, including CMF Flat, Fadama Night Market, and Bubiashie Ola Bam Road, before culminating at the Awudome Astro Turf for a 30-minute aerobics session.

The event seamlessly transitioned into the Uncle T Gala Cup, a vibrant community gala that showcased young talents from local teams. Football legends Charles Asampong Taylor and Yaw Preko were in attendance, adding to the excitement.

Eight teams, including Kaneshie Real Madrid, Kantsean Hearts of Oak, and Bubiashie Kotoko, battled it out for the top prize. In the end, Kaneshie Real Madrid emerged victorious, defeating Avenor Bayern Munich 3-2 on penalties.

The event’s organisers, led by Nii Okunka Blejo, Development Chief of Sarpeiman, expressed their delight with the outcome.

Kuma Ajatse Koranteng, Human Resource Manager of Uncle T Limited, also praised the success of the event.

The Uncle T Gala Cup provided a platform for young players to showcase their skills and potentially become future stars in the football world.

From The Sports Desk

As Ghana’s central bank prepares to submit its proposed cryptocurrency licensing bill to parliament in September 2025, the country faces a defining moment in its financial modernisation journey.

The proposed framework, requiring exchanges and wallet providers to register, meet minimum capital requirements and report suspicious transactions, aims to bring much-needed clarity to a sector that has grown rapidly in recent years. With over $3 billion in crypto transactions in the last year alone, Ghana has rapidly emerged as a hub for digital asset activity in West Africa.

However, regulating a sector as dynamic as crypto is no easy task. The challenge lies in designing rules that protect users without paralysing innovation. Done poorly, regulation could lock out local entrepreneurs, discourage foreign investment, and drive the industry underground. Done right, it could usher in a new era of trust, cross-border collaboration, and digital growth. To achieve this, Ghana must ensure the bill reflects a nuanced understanding of the ecosystem.

Licensing requirements should account for different types of players—from global exchanges with strong compliance infrastructure to emerging Ghanaian platforms just starting out. Capital thresholds must be proportional, not prohibitive, and compliance costs should not become a barrier to entry for local startups, which form the backbone of the country’s fintech innovation.

There are early signs of industry appetite for cooperation. Global exchanges like Binance have long advocated for clearer regulatory guidelines in Africa. In markets like Kenya, the platform actively engaged with lawmakers during the drafting of the Virtual Asset Service Providers Bill, supporting efforts to improve user safety and financial education. These are examples of how collaborative regulation can unlock shared value if Ghana’s framework encourages, rather than hinders, similar engagement.

Still, concerns linger. Industry stakeholders have raised questions around taxation, license passporting for those already licensed in other jurisdictions, overly punitive penalties, local incentivization and the potential for overregulation in a market still in its early stages. Striking the right balance will be key.

Larry Cooke, Africa’s Head of Legal at Binance, says, “Ghana is a very mature African economy and its regulators and policy makers understand the need to act swiftly but still safely. It’s very encouraging to have open engagements with all stakeholders to make sure that we drive adoption through education and real-life use cases to ensure Africa is not left behind.”

With so much at stake, Ghana has a unique chance to craft a regulation that doesn’t just catch up to the crypto economy but actively shapes its future. A collaborative, context-aware approach, one that brings regulators, technologists, civil society, and startups to the table, will be critical.

The question now is whether Ghana will seize this opportunity to lead or let it slip into bureaucratic delay.

END

About Author

Nii Tetteh Quaye is a fintech journalist and policy commentator specialising in cryptocurrency regulation and digital finance in West Africa. Known for his balanced, insight-driven analysis, he explores how innovation and regulation can coexist to drive financial inclusion and economic growth. His work bridges the perspectives of policymakers, industry leaders, and startups, making him a trusted voice in the region’s evolving digital economy.

The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has revealed that it is investigating 67 major cases of suspected corruption and corruption-related offences involving several state institutions, state-owned enterprises, and private entities.

The OSP is the country’s flagship anti-corruption institution which functions as a specialised, autonomous investigative and prosecutorial agency, with its powers and mandate derived from the Office of the Special Prosecutor Act, 2017 (Act 959).

In its half-year update released on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, the OSP noted that the investigations cover a wide range of sectors, including natural resources, aviation, education, payroll administration, procurement, health, sports, utilities, and land management.

Among the high-profile cases is a probe into the Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF). The investigation covers payments linked to Agyapa Royalties, small-scale mining initiatives, lithium and gold projects, board expenditures, land acquisitions, and related contracts between 2020 and 2024.

The OSP further indicated that it is currently handling sixty-seven (67) cases at the full investigation stage, including the following:

OSP charges Mustapha Hamid, 6 others in GH¢280m corruption scandal at NPA

Minerals Income Investment Fund

The Office is investigating suspected corruption and corruption-related offences in respect of the operations of the Minerals Income Investment fund (MIIF) between 2020-2024 – especially regarding payments made in respect of Agyapa Royalties Limited; Small Scale Mining Incubation Programme (SSMIP); Quarry Value Addition Programme (QVAP); lithium asset (projected lithium-focused exploration and development corporation); Gold asset 2 (Enchi Gold Project); all other investments by MIIF; funds expended on the Chairman of the Board of Directors; the operational funds of MIIF; purchase of a parcel of land for an intended office building; contracts and agreements entered into by MIIF; and publications by MIIF.

The investigation targets some former and serving officials of MIIF and the following entities:

• Asante Gold Corporation

• ElectroChem Ghana Limited

• Goldridge Ghana Limited

• GIG Minerals Limited

• RCM Properties

• Energy & resources Company limited

• Goldstrom Ghana Limited

• BH Minerals Limited

Ghana Airports Company Limited

The Office is investigating suspected corruption and corruption-related offences in respect of the operations and contractual arrangements of Ghana Airport Company Limited between 2020-2024.

Ghana Education Service

The Office is investigating suspected corruption and corruption-related offences in respect of the large-scale sale of appointment letters to prospective teachers and laundering of the proceeds of the unlawful enterprise.

National Commission on Culture

The Office is investigating the operations of the National Commission on Culture between 2020-2024, with particular focus on suspected corruption and extortion in relation to the payment of staff salaries and salary arrears.

Ghana Revenue Authority/Tata Consulting Services

The Office is investigating suspected corruption and corruption-related offences in respect of the procurement processes leading to the award and execution 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 of the Ghana Revenue Authority.

Former MIIF boss, officials under OSP investigation over financial irregularities

National Service Authority

The Office is investigating suspected corruption and corruption-related offences in respect of the activities of the National Service authority, especially the recruitment of national service personnel and related activities between 2020-2024.

Ministry of Health/Service Ghana Auto Group Limited

The Office is investigating suspected corruption and corruption-related offences in respect of a contract awarded by the Ministry of Health (initially commenced by the Ministry for Special Development Initiatives) to Service Ghana Auto Group Limited and attendant payments for after-sales service and maintenance of 307 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 305 CDI ambulances for the National Ambulance Service.

National Cathedral

The Office is investigating suspected corruption and corruption-related offences in respect of the procurement of contractors and materials; payments by a former Minister of Finance, Kenneth Nana Yaw Ofori-Atta; payments by the National Cathedral Secretariat, and the activities regarding the construction of the National Cathedral.

Tema Oil Refinery and Tema Energy and Processing Limited

The Office is investigating suspected corruption and corruption-related offences in respect of contractual arrangements between Tema Oil refinery and Tema Energy and Processing Limited, and the operation and management of Tema Oil refinery between 2020-2024.

Electricity Company of Ghana Limited

The Office is investigating suspected corruption and corruption-related offences regarding the termination of a Distribution, loss reduction and associated Network Improvement Project contract between the Electricity Company of Ghana Limited and Beijing Xiao Cheng Technology (BXC).

Government of Ghana Payroll Administration, the OSP, and the Controller and Accountant General’s Department (CAGD) jointly commenced a corruption risk assessment and investigation into suspected corruption and corruption-related offences in respect of Government Payroll administration.

The assessment and investigation are especially aimed at isolating and removing the names of non-existent, ineligible, and undeserving persons from government payroll, recovering wrongful payments and unearned salaries, prosecuting persons suspected to be culpable for any offences, and the institution and implementation of internal controls in respect of payroll processing and payment of salaries.

To facilitate the roll-out of the investigation and assessment throughout the country, a pilot exercise was carried out in the Northern region (covering educational institutions in the Ghana Education Service and the Tamale Teaching Hospital) by a joint team, comprising investigators, tracers, and assessors from the OSP and selected staff of the Payroll Processing Directorate of CAGD between December 2023 and April 2024.

On 20 May 2024, The OSP and the CAGD published an investigation report on the pilot exercise.

The exercise resulted in the blockade in January 2024 of a total amount of two million eight hundred and fifty-four thousand One Hundred and forty-four cedis eighty pesewas (GHC2,854,144.80), which was traced as representing unearned monthly salaries being paid to deceased persons, retired, vacated their posts, flagged as missing staff, or whose whereabouts are unknown (colloquially referred to as “Ghost Names”).

The blockade of the amount of two Million Eight Hundred and Fifty-Four thousand One Hundred and forty-four cedis eighty pesewas (GHC2,854,144.80) and the removal from Government Payroll of the corresponding deceased, retired, post vacators, the missing, and those whose whereabouts are unknown has saved the republic an amount of Thirty-Four Million Two Hundred and Forty-Nine thousand Seven Hundred and thirty-Seven cedis Six pesewas (GHC34,249,737.6) for the 2024 financial year, and future savings of that amount (in addition to future periodic upward pay adjustments) for every year that the unearned-salaries-amount would have remained undetected but for the joint investigation and assessment by the OSP and CaGD.

SML Scandal: OSP arrests former GRA Commissioner-General, two others

The OSP is taking steps to recover unearned salaries paid in respect of deceased, untraceable, and retired persons and persons who have vacated their posts. Further, the OSP and CaGD are engaged in the process of directing internal control mechanisms in respect of payroll processing to substantially reduce the incidence of the processing and payment of unearned salaries. The OSP and CaGD would proceed by extending the investigation to the remaining fifteen regions of the republic under Phase I of the exercise.

Further, the Office is pursuing the prosecution of persons suspected of being culpable for corruption and corruption-related offences in this regard. The Office secured six(6) convictions and the payment of restitution to the Republic during the period under review.

State lands, Stool lands, and other Vested lands

The Office is proceeding with an investigation into the appropriation, sale and lease of State-owned lands and properties to individuals and corporate bodies since 1993. The investigation covers all lands and properties that fall under the direct stewardship of the Lands Commission, the Ministry of Works and Housing, and all other Ministries, State Housing Company, State-Owned Companies, and other State agencies.

The investigation also covers the management of vested lands and all public lands over which the State’s ownership or control has been relinquished and the conditions of release.

Further, the investigation covers the sale, lease, grant, and disposal by the Lands Commission to individuals and corporate entities of some parcels of land and bungalows occupied by the Judicial Service of Ghana.

Illegal Mining

Investigation is ongoing in respect of suspected corruption and corruption-related offences regarding illegal mining – referred to as Galamsey. The investigation targets the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and the Forestry Commission. It also targets the activities and expenditure of the dissolved Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining (IMCIM), especially in respect of the seizure and management of excavators, machinery, road vehicles, and gold nuggets.

The investigation further targets the activities of Akonta Mining Limited and other companies; nationals of foreign countries allegedly involved in illegal mining, and allegations of corruption and corruption-related offences against some Municipal and District Chief Executives.

National Sports Authority

Investigation is ongoing in respect of suspected corruption and corruption-related offences regarding contracts awarded by the National Sports Authority for the provision of goods and services to the following entities:

• Acoma Green Consult

• Tabee Gh limited

• Wanschie Car Rentals

• Obiri Car Rentals

• No Farmer No Fortune

• STC Clinic

• Bobina Solutions

• Mum & Sons Signature

Ghana Water Company Limited

Investigation is ongoing in respect of suspected corruption and corruption-related offences regarding contracts awarded by Ghana Water Company Limited for the provision of goods and services to the following entities:

• Nayak 96 Enterprise

• Dencom Construction Works

• Edmus Limited

• Jomaks

• Espab Construction Limited

• Roger More Construction Limited

• Velech Enterprise

• Intermec Ghana Limited

• A.J.I. Trading & Construction Limited

Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority

Following the publication by the Office of an investigation report on 3 August 2022 in respect of a complaint against Labianca Company Limited and the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority, the Special Prosecutor directed the commencement of a wider investigation into the issuance of customs advance rulings and markdowns of benchmark values.

Investigation is also ongoing in respect of suspected corruption and corruption-related offences regarding the auction sales of vehicles and other goods by the Customs Division between 1 July 2016 and 15 August 2022.

Bank of Ghana

Investigation is ongoing in respect of the banking and financial sector crisis that precipitated the collapse of some banks and financial institutions, and the financial sector clean-up and recapitalisation reforms.

The investigation targets alleged corruption and corruption-related offences perpetrated by some officials of the Bank of Ghana, banks, specialised deposit-taking institutions, and financial holding companies.

Estate of Kwadwo Owusu-Afriyie, alias Sir John

Investigation is ongoing in respect of the alleged improper acquisition of state-protected land at the Achimota forest enclave and the Sakumono Ramsar site by a deceased former Chief Executive of the Forestry Commission.

Other cases

The Office is also seized with one hundred and fifty-two (152) other cases at the preliminary investigation stage. These may be publicised if the Special Prosecutor determines that they are within the mandate of the Office and that they should be moved past the preliminary investigation stage. This is a policy intended to protect the privacy of individuals and the business operations of institutions and companies, and to avoid unnecessary stigmatisation.

MA