Prof Gyampo Reached Out to OSP During SML Search Operation – Official Statement

OSP Responds to Prof Gyampo Over SML Raid and Ken Ofori-Atta Investigation

The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has responded firmly to comments made by Prof Ransford Gyampo, Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Shippers’ Authority, regarding the ongoing investigation into Strategic Mobilisation Limited (SML) and former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta.

According to the OSP, Prof Gyampo contacted the Office via phone and text messages during a lawful search operation at the premises of SML. The operation was jointly conducted by the OSP and the National Security Secretariat as part of an ongoing corruption probe.

The Special Prosecutor’s Office made the disclosure following Prof Gyampo’s public remarks questioning the motives behind the investigation. In a Facebook post dated Sunday, June 22, the OSP rejected Gyampo’s suggestion that the investigation may be driven by personal vendetta, stating that its actions are based on concrete allegations of corruption and abuse of office for personal gain.

These allegations involve the award of a multi-year contract to SML, which the OSP claims may have breached procurement laws and resulted in unjust financial benefits.

“While the OSP welcomes criticism of its operations, public officials are strongly cautioned against attempts to interfere with ongoing investigations, either directly or through public commentary that could undermine accountability efforts,” the statement read.

The OSP stressed that such interference could hinder Ghana’s anti-corruption drive and damage public trust in key oversight institutions.

Prof Gyampo’s criticism was initially made during a panel discussion on TV3’s “The Key Points” program on Saturday, June 21, where he expressed concern about the approach the OSP is using in handling the Ofori-Atta case.

“I hope the OSP is not motivated by vendetta,” Prof Gyampo stated, while also advocating for neutrality and fairness in the investigative process.

The debate has also highlighted concerns over the OSP’s refusal to accommodate a video conferencing request from Mr Ofori-Atta’s legal team. The former finance minister, reportedly unwell and abroad, had requested to be interviewed remotely. However, the OSP declined, maintaining that Mr Ofori-Atta has not been formally charged and must submit to standard investigative procedures.

Suggestions that the OSP send officers abroad to meet him were also dismissed by the Office, citing financial implications and cost to the taxpayer.

In response, Prof Gyampo emphasized the importance of transparency regarding Mr Ofori-Atta’s medical condition, saying, “If he’s sick, it’s not a small matter, and that must be taken into account.”

He also questioned the OSP’s track record, referencing high-profile cases like the Cecilia Dapaah investigation, which began with strong public interest but, in his view, ended without substantial results.

“The OSP starts dramatically, but sometimes finishes with nothing to show. That’s concerning,” he added.