An Accra High Court has adjourned the criminal case involving former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML), and six others to July 30, 2026.
This postponement enables the court to await decisions from the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court on issues linked to the trial. The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) stated that appellate proceedings could impact the current case's conduct. The accused are facing 78 charges, including alleged procurement breaches and causing financial loss to the State, amounting to GHS 1.4 billion.
This trial underscores ongoing concerns about public financial management and procurement integrity in Ghana. The large sum of GHS 1.4 billion represents a significant potential loss to the national treasury. Previous government audits and public discourse have often highlighted issues with contract procurements and their financial implications. This case aligns with a broader national effort to combat corruption and ensure accountability in public office and state-owned entities.
The OSP informed the court that it had appealed the High Court's earlier decision to deny an application for stay of execution. Additionally, a separate application for certiorari has been filed at the Supreme Court by Mr. Noah Ephraim Adamtey. This application challenges the constitutionality of the OSP's prosecutorial authority. These legal challenges could significantly alter the path of the High Court trial, according to the prosecution.
The outcome of these appellate court decisions will determine the direction and ultimate fate of the High Court proceedings. Legal experts will closely watch the Supreme Court's ruling on the OSP's powers, as it could set a precedent for future corruption cases. Stakeholders, including financial markets and citizens, will monitor this trial for its implications on governance and public expenditure accountability in Ghana.
The OSP filed the case and arraigned the accused persons on November 18, 2025. Apart from Mr. Ofori-Atta and SML, the accused include Mr. Ernest Darko Akore, former Chief of Staff at the Ministry of Finance. Also charged are Mr. Emmanuel Kofi Nti and Mr. Amishaddai Owusu-Amoah, both former Commissioner-Generals of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA). Mr. Isaac Crentsil and Mr. Kwadwo Damoah, both former Commissioners of the Customs Division of the GRA, are also implicated. Mr. Evans Adusei, Chief Executive Officer of SML, completes the list of accused persons.
The charges against them include conspiracy to commit procurement fraud and causing financial loss to the State. They also face accusations of using public office for profit and willful oppression. Entering into agreements imposing financial commitments beyond one financial year without prior parliamentary authorization is another serious charge. All accused persons have denied the charges and are currently out on bail.