OSP–Gyampo Row Escalates Amid SML Corruption Probe

The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has firmly rejected claims that its ongoing investigation into former Finance Minister Kenneth Nana Yaw Ofori-Atta is driven by personal vendetta, describing such allegations as unfounded and potentially harmful to the national fight against corruption.

In a public notice issued on Sunday (22 June), the OSP responded directly to comments made by the Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Shippers Authority, Prof Ransford Gyampo, who reportedly suggested that the Ofori-Atta investigation was motivated by personal bias.

Prof. Gyampo’s remarks have drawn the attention of the OSP, which now feels compelled to set the record straight.

But Prof. Gyampo has rejected suggestions that he attempted to interfere with the OSP’s work, following a public back-and-forth with the Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng.

Responding to the OSP on Sunday, June 22, Prof. Gyampo clarified that he never called the OSP’s office, contrary to the impression created in the OSP’s release.

The OSP clarified that its actions concerning the former Finance Minister are “based on stated allegations of corruption and corruption-related offences, particularly abuse of office for profit.” The allegations relate specifically to a multi-year contract awarded to Strategic Mobilisation Limited (SML), which is currently under scrutiny.

The notice further revealed that Dr Gyampo contacted the OSP while its officers, alongside officials from National Security, were conducting a legal search at the premises of SML, a development the OSP implied could be construed as interference.

“While the OSP welcomes criticism of its work,” the notice read, “it cautions public officials to refrain from interfering—whether directly or through unfounded public statements—with ongoing investigations.”

The Office warned that such interference could undermine public confidence and weaken the nation’s anti-corruption efforts.

The public notice comes as several high-profile individuals are being investigated for their roles in controversial contracts and financial decisions.
The OSP has reiterated its commitment to upholding due process and acting strictly within the confines of the law.

“Kissi, I didn’t call your office, I called YOU and we never spoke on phone because you said you couldn’t speak and that you were going to call back,” Prof. Gyampo stated in a message today, Monday, June 23, 2025.

He further explained that his text messages to the Special Prosecutor were not meant to obstruct any ongoing investigation, but rather to caution against possible financial implications for the state.

“I texted you just to caution you not to cause financial loss to the state even as you go about your investigations, which I fully favor,” he said.

Gyampo’s clarification follows comments he made during a media appearance on TV3 on June 21, where he expressed hope that the Special Prosecutor’s actions in the ongoing investigation into former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta were driven by patriotism and not personal animus.

“I hope the OSP is not motivated by vendetta but out of patriotism,” he said.

In response, the OSP dismissed his suggestion as “unfounded” and warned that such commentary could compromise the credibility of Ghana’s anti-corruption drive.

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

The OSP further revealed that Gyampo contacted the office while its officers and National Security operatives were conducting a legal search at the premises of SML, a key subject of its probe involving Ofori-Atta.

Prof. Gyampo, however, insisted that his message was sent out of concern and not to influence the work of the OSP.

“Given what I have heard from across the political divide about your possible intentions, I only expressed the hope that your intentions are patriotic and not personal. That’s all,” he noted.
“The bit that talks about me calling your office and insinuating that perhaps I called to ask you to do something untoward is unfair and makes me then doubt your intentions the more.”

He added that he plans to circulate the WhatsApp messages exchanged between him and the Special Prosecutor to clarify the nature of his communication.

“I will circulate our WhatsApp texts also to make the point that I only expressed concern about potential financial loss to Ghana.”

The OSP has maintained that its actions in the Ofori-Atta case are guided by allegations of abuse of office for profit and related corruption issues, particularly linked to awarding a multi-year contract to SML.

The case continues to generate public interest as Ghanaians await further details of the investigation.

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