Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) issued a sharp rebuttal Sunday to criticism from Professor Ransford Gyampo, Acting Chief Executive of the Ghana Shippers Authority, over its investigation into former Finance Minister Kenneth Nana Yaw Ofori-Atta.

In a public statement, the OSP dismissed Prof. Gyampo’s remarks as “unfounded,” warning that such claims risk undermining the country’s ongoing efforts to tackle high-level corruption.

“The OSP wishes to place on record that its actions involving the former Finance Minister are based on stated allegations of corruption and corruption-related offences,” the agency said, citing concerns including the alleged abuse of office and a controversial multi-year contract awarded to Strategic Mobilisation Limited (SML).

Gyampo, a political science professor and vocal public figure, had questioned the motive behind the probe, saying, “I hope the OSP is not motivated by vendetta but out of patriotism.” He warned that if the investigation was politically driven, it could harm the credibility of the prosecutorial body.

The OSP, however, firmly rejected any implication of political bias. In a revealing detail, it disclosed that Prof. Gyampo had contacted the office during a lawful search of SML’s premises, conducted with support from Ghana’s National Security.

“Incidentally, the said CEO called and sent messages to the Office in respect of SML while officers of the OSP and National Security were still conducting a legal search,” the statement said.

While the agency said it welcomes constructive scrutiny, it cautioned public officials against interfering in ongoing investigations—whether through direct contact or public commentary—arguing such actions could compromise the integrity of the anti-corruption process.

“It cautions public officials to refrain from interfering—whether directly or through unfounded public statements—with ongoing investigations,” the OSP said. “Such actions have the potential to undermine the fight against corruption.”

The OSP has recently intensified investigations into a series of high-profile corruption cases, drawing both public support and heightened political scrutiny.

Source:TheDotNews