The Office of the Special Prosecutor has declared that Ghana’s fight against corruption remains active, resilient and firmly on course, despite sustained pressure and resistance during the latter half of 2025.
In its second half-year report for 2025, Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng described a period marked by intense institutional activity, legal action, and preventive work, concluding that the anti-corruption agenda is fully operational and forcefully alive.
According to the report, the second half of 2025 was characterised by what the Special Prosecutor terms exemplary hard work across the Office. During the period, the OSP filed several significant cases in the courts, reflecting a steady progression from investigation to prosecution.
At the same time, a number of ongoing investigations reached advanced stages after extensive and careful enquiries, positioning the Office to conclude more cases in the near term.
Mr Agyebeng reports that as part of its enforcement mandate, the Office seized many tainted prime assets suspected to be linked to corruption and related offences. These assets, both movable and immovable, are being held pending trial outcomes and possible forfeiture proceedings.
He noted that asset seizure remains a critical component of the OSP’s strategy, as it disrupts the benefits of corruption while reinforcing the principle that illicit gains will not be protected.
A notable development during the reporting period was progress on international cooperation in criminal justice. The Special Prosecutor confirmed that the Office successfully transmitted an extradition request through the Attorney General to authorities in the United States of America.
The request sought the extradition of two fugitive accused persons to face trial before the High Court in Accra. According to the report, this step underscores the Office’s determination to pursue accountability beyond Ghana’s borders and to ensure that fleeing the jurisdiction does not shield suspects from justice.
Corruption Prevention
Beyond prosecutions and asset recovery, the OSP continued to prioritise corruption prevention as a central pillar of its work. Mr Agyebeng explained that the Office intensified efforts to mitigate risks of financial and institutional losses to the Republic.
These efforts included strengthening compliance checks within public institutions, offering guidance on ethical conduct and integrity planning, and promoting accountability standards across the public sector.
The report highlights sustained engagement with key stakeholders as part of these preventive measures. According to the Special Prosecutor, the Office worked closely with public institutions to identify vulnerabilities, address procedural weaknesses and embed ethical practices in day to day operations.
These engagements, he wrote, are designed to reduce opportunities for corruption before they mature into criminal conduct. A significant part of the Office’s preventive work during the period focused on public education and youth engagement.
The OSP continued to run its Youth Against Corruption campaigns, aimed at raising awareness and fostering a culture of integrity among young people across the country.
“These preventive actions are essential in building a culture of accountability across all aspects of society. And I am proud to state that the fight against corruption is fully lighted-up and forcefully alive.”
Kissi Agyebeng, Special Prosecutor, Ghana
OSP’s Resilience
In reflecting on the broader context of the Office’s work, the Special Prosecutor acknowledged that the period under review was also marked by unprecedented attacks against the OSP.
These, he noted, took varied forms and were directed not only at the institution itself, but also at some of its principal officers, dedicated staff and supporters. Despite these challenges, he maintained that the Office remained focused on its mandate and continued to deliver results.
Mr Agyebeng attributed this resilience in part to the support received from allies, partners and what he describes as champions of accountability, both known and unknown.
He expressed gratitude to individuals and organisations that stood against corruption and defended the work of the Office during moments of intense pressure. According to him, this solidarity provided the fortitude necessary for the OSP to continue operating effectively.
The report framed the OSP’s recent activities as evidence that Ghana’s anti corruption framework is not dormant or symbolic, but actively engaged in enforcement, prevention and institutional reform.
The Special Prosecutor argues that the combination of prosecutions, asset seizures, international cooperation and preventive education demonstrates a comprehensive approach to accountability.
In a concluding reflection, Mr Agyebeng reiterated his confidence in the state of the anti-corruption fight. He stated that the struggle against corruption is not only ongoing, but vibrant and determined.
He called on citizens and institutions to continue working together to defend integrity and accountability, stressing that collective effort remains essential to securing what he describes as a decent existence for the Republic.
As Ghana continues to confront complex governance and accountability challenges, the OSP’s report positions the Office as an active and evolving institution, determined to press forward with its mandate despite resistance.
The message from the Special Prosecutor is clear that the fight against corruption remains firmly on the national agenda and continues to be pursued with resolve.
