OSP Unveils Major Corruption Probes in 2025 Half-Year Report

The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has announced two significant investigations into suspected corruption and corruption-related offences, shaking up two major public sectors.

The revelations were made in the OSP’s 2025 Half-Year Report, which was released to the public on Tuesday, August 19.

Here’s a breakdown of the key investigations and takeaways from the report.

The Two Major Investigations

1. The Teacher Appointments Scandal: The OSP is investigating a large-scale scheme involving the sale of appointment letters to prospective teachers. The probe also extends to the laundering of the proceeds generated from this unlawful enterprise. This suggests a highly organized ring preying on Ghanaian graduates seeking public sector jobs.

2. The National Commission on Culture Probe: The OSP is examining the operations of the National Commission on Culture between 2020 and 2024. The investigation has a particular focus on suspected corruption and extortion related to the payment of staff salaries and arrears, indicating potential malfeasance affecting employee welfare.

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A Shift in Strategy: Beyond Punishment

In the preface of the report, the Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng, provided crucial insight into his office's evolving strategy. He reiterated that the fight against corruption cannot be won solely through punitive measures and incarceration.

Mr. Agyebeng explained that the OSP’s legislative framework emphasizes a three-pronged approach:

• Corruption Prevention

• Asset Recovery

• Disgorgement of tainted property

“Consequently, we are pursuing sustainable anti-corruption outcomes by pairing enforcement with robust prevention and asset recovery, especially under Ghana’s unique plea bargaining regime,” he stated.

The report indicates that this strategy is already in motion, with the Office scaling up its preventive work with public and private institutions while also securing convictions and recovering assets through impactful plea bargains.

Call for Legal Modernization

A key highlight from the report is the Special Prosecutor’s call for a fundamental overhaul of Ghana’s anti-corruption laws.

Mr. Agyebeng argued that the current legal framework requires "re-imagination, modernization, and retooling" to effectively address the complex nature of modern corruption.

Proposed Anti-Corruption Reforms

To this end, the OSP is spearheading ambitious reform proposals, including:

• A new chapter in Ghana’s Constitution dedicated solely to anti-corruption. This would institutionalize powerful measures like:

  • Lifestyle audits for public officials.

  • Non-conviction-based asset recovery (allowing the state to seize suspicious assets without a criminal conviction).

  • Enhanced asset declaration and verification.

  • A reverse onus presumption of corruption, shifting the burden of proof onto accused individuals in certain cases.

• The passage of a Comprehensive Corrupt Practices Act and a Conduct of Public Officers Act.

The Special Prosecutor concluded by affirming the OSP’s resolve, noting that the office is working to build anti-corruption structures that will "stand the test of time."

“The task ahead remains formidable but so is our resolve to deliver.”

Source: 3news.com