OSP files 78 charges in SML corruption case as trial opens today
The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has filed 78 counts of corruption and corruption-related offenses against former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta and seven others in connection with the Strategic Mobilization Ghana Limited (SML) contract controversy.
The accused persons are expected to begin their trial today at Accra’s Criminal Court 5.
The charges, as outlined in the OSP’s prosecution summary, include corruption, abuse of office, and public revenue and procurement procedure violations.
The individuals and entities charged include:
• Emmanuel Kofi Nti, former Commissioner-General of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) – 39 counts
• Kenneth Nana Yaw Ofori-Atta, former Minister of Finance – 28 counts
• Isaac Crentsil, former Commissioner of the Customs Division, GRA – 19 counts
• Evans Adusei, Chief Executive of SML – 19 counts
• Ernest Darko Akore, former Chief of Staff to the Finance Minister – 12 counts
• Ammishaddai Owusu Amoah, former GRA Commissioner-General – 10 counts
• Kwadwo Damoah, MP for Jaman South and former Commissioner of Customs – 8 counts
• Strategic Mobilization Ghana Ltd (corporate entity) – 18 counts
The OSP says the filing of the charges follows extensive investigations into the SML revenue assurance contract awarded under the Ministry of Finance and the GRA.
