The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has announced that the trial of former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta and seven others begins today, Thursday, December 11, following the filing of a 78-count indictment alleging corruption and financial loss to the state.
The charges, filed in November 2025, relate primarily to contracts involving Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML). The accused persons include: Ernest Darko Akore, Emmanuel Kofi Nti, Ammishaddai Owusu-Amoah, Isaac Crentsil, Kwadwo Damoah, Evans Adusei and Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited. They are alleged to have engaged in unlawful payments, procurement breaches and other infractions between 2018 and 2024.
In a statement on its social media page, the OSP said: “The trial of Kenneth Ofori-Atta and 7 others expected to start today at Criminal Court 5.”
The OSP added that it has taken all necessary legal steps to commence proceedings and dismissed claims that the prosecution is being rushed. It noted that measures have been put in place to secure the presence of all accused persons while protecting their constitutional rights. Some of the accused, including Mr Ofori-Atta, are currently outside Ghana and have cited health reasons for their absence, prompting the OSP to rely on summons and international cooperation mechanisms.
The case is expected to attract significant national attention amid ongoing debate over the future of the OSP, with calls from civil society and sections of Parliament either to strengthen or abolish the anti-corruption institution.