The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has directed the closure of the investigation in respect of allegations of corruption and corruption-related offences involving Charles Adu Boahen, former minister of state at the ministry of finance.

According to the OSP, although the conduct of Mr Boahen amounts to “trading in influence or influence peddling”, which is closely associated with corruption, there is no actual criminal prohibition of his acts in respect of which the OSP has a mandate to further act.

In a report released today, October 30, 2023, the OSP however stated that the investigation may be re-opened should the circumstances and further facts so dictate.

“On that reckoning, the Special Prosecutor directs the closure, at this time, of the investigation in respect of allegations of corruption and corruption-related offences involving Charles Adu Boahen contained in the investigative documentary titled Galamsey Economy published by Tiger Eye P.I.”
Office of Special Prosecutor

Furthermore, the OSP stated that its report has been heavily redacted to safeguard national security and to protect the privacy of persons investigated and interviewed.

It explained that the non-prohibition of most predicate acts of corruption and corruption-related offences “engenders impunity of malevolent conduct and the erosion” of democratic tenets, which “spawn formidable hurdles” in the fight against corruption, especially in the public sector.

“On this score, the OSP calls for the passage of a Corrupt Practices Act to comprehensively codify the prohibition of all forms of corruption. Further, the OSP joins up with the positively persistent calls of the pressure group, OccupyGhana for the passage of a Conduct of Public Officers Act to properly regulate the conduct of public officers.”
Office of Special Prosecutor

Recounting the series of events, the OSP revealed that President Akufo-Addo relieved Mr Boahen of his position as Minister of State at the Ministry of Finance in November 2022 on the back of allegations against him.

Corruption allegations against Adu Boahen

By a referral dated 14th November 2022, the OSP stated that President Akufo-Addo requested the OSP to investigate allegations of corruption and corruption related offences involving Mr. Adu Boahen contained in an investigative documentary titled ‘Galamsey Economy’ published by a celebrated Ghanaian investigative journalist, Anas Aremeyaw Anas.

Additionally, it explained that by a complaint dated 13th November 2022 and received on 15th November 2022, Tiger Eye P.I. requested the OSP to investigate Mr. Adu Boahen for corruption and corruption-related offences arising from the same investigative documentary.

It further noted that the Tiger Eye P.I. attached an audio-visual recording contained on a flash drive together with a transcript of the audio-visual recording to the complaint.

“The complaint alleged that, through its sting operations, Tiger Eye P.I. audio visually recorded Mr. Adu Boahen in the act of his commission of corruption and corruption-related offences. The complaint stated that undercover agents of Tiger Eye P.I., posing as businessmen who were interested in investing in Ghana, met with Mr. Adu Boahen and tabled their investment plans and proposals to him…”
Office of Special Prosecutor

Among other things, the complaint also alleged that Mr. Adu Boahen offered to introduce the undercover agents to the President and the Vice President in aid of establishing them as very influential persons in Ghana.

Moreover, the OSP revealed that its investigation was conducted with as little intrusion into the privacy of persons as the circumstances permitted.

In its commendation, the OSP lauded the President for the referral to the OSP for the conduct of investigation into suspected corruption and corruption-related offences involving Mr. Adu Boahen.

Additionally, it commended the Tiger Eye P.I. led by Anas Aremeyaw Anas for conducting the sting operation in respect of suspected corruption and corruption-related offences involving Mr. Adu Boahen.

It equally expressed gratitude to the group for filing a complaint with the OSP in respect of the sting operation for the commencement of the present investigation.