Trial of Former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta and Seven Others Begins in Accra

The long-anticipated trial involving former Finance Minister Kenneth Nana Yaw Ofori-Atta and seven co-accused persons officially commenced on Thursday, December 11, 2025, at Criminal Court 5 in Accra. The proceedings mark a significant development in Ghana’s efforts to pursue accountability in public office, particularly regarding alleged financial misconduct and procurement irregularities involving public funds.

The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) filed an extensive 78-count indictment against the accused, setting out charges of corruption, abuse of office, breach of procurement laws, and other related offences. The prosecution’s case centres on contracts and financial arrangements linked to Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML) and alleged actions by the accused that led to substantial financial loss to the state without proper statutory approvals.

Allegations and Charge Sheet

The indictment filed by the OSP alleges that the accused persons collectively engaged in conduct that violated established laws governing public procurement and financial management. The counts include corruption and corruption-related offences, conspiracy to influence procurement processes for undue advantage, and causing financial loss through the execution of contracts that lacked proper oversight or justification.

Prosecutors assert that contracts relating to revenue assurance, external price verification, and audit services were awarded and executed outside the scope of statutory requirements. In doing so, payments were made without sufficient verification that services were performed or that the contracted entity possessed the capacity to deliver them, contravening the procedures outlined in Ghana’s procurement and public financial management framework.

Defendants in the Trial

In addition to Mr Ofori-Atta, the following individuals and entity are standing trial:

• Ernest Darko Akore, former Chef de Cabinet at the Ministry of Finance
• Emmanuel Kofi Nti, former Commissioner-General of the Ghana Revenue Authority
• Ammishaddai Owusu-Amoah, another former Commissioner-General of the Ghana Revenue Authority
• Isaac Crentsil, former Commissioner of the Customs Division
• Kwadwo Damoah, former Customs Division Commissioner and Member of Parliament
• Evans Adusei, Chief Executive Officer of Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited
• Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML), the corporate defendant at the centre of the procurement dispute

The prosecution’s position is that these individuals and the corporate entity colluded to facilitate and benefit from the contentious contracts, exposing the state to unnecessary financial risk and undermining the principles of transparency and accountability.

Opening Proceedings

At the opening session of the trial, representatives of the OSP emphasised that the case would be conducted fully in accordance with Ghana’s legal and constitutional standards. They stated that the rights of all accused persons would be respected throughout the process and that the prosecution would present its evidence in a thorough and transparent manner.

The trial’s commencement comes after several months of preparatory work, including investigation, evidence gathering, and the formal filing of charges. The OSP sought to reassure the public that the matter was not being rushed and that procedural fairness would be maintained at all stages of the proceedings.

However, several of the accused, including Mr Ofori-Atta, were not physically present in court at the start of the trial. Reasons cited for their absence included health concerns and travel commitments abroad. In response, the OSP confirmed that it had initiated appropriate legal steps, such as issuing summons and utilising legal cooperation mechanisms, to secure their attendance in future sessions.

The absence of key defendants at the opening has sparked conversation among legal commentators and the public about procedural challenges in prosecuting high-profile individuals who are not immediately available within the jurisdiction. Observers note that the management of such logistical complexities may influence the pace and scheduling of the trial in the coming months.

Public Reaction and Debate

The trial has generated extensive public interest and commentary, both within Ghana and among international observers. Civil society organisations and governance advocates have described the case as a critical test of the nation’s anti-corruption framework and judicial independence. For many, the decision to prosecute a former minister and several senior officials signals a commitment to accountability at the highest levels of government.

At the same time, debate has emerged over the role and future of the Office of the Special Prosecutor itself. Some commentators and stakeholders have called for a review of the institution’s mandate, suggesting that its powers should be expanded to enhance its effectiveness. Others have proposed structural reforms or integration with other anti-graft bodies to streamline investigative and prosecutorial functions.

Regardless of these discussions, the trial is widely regarded as a defining moment in Ghana’s governance landscape. It serves as a focal point for broader conversations about transparency in public office, the separation of powers, and the capacity of state institutions to hold senior officials accountable under the law.

What to Expect

As the trial progresses, the court will hear detailed evidence from both the prosecution and defence. This will include documentary records, testimony from witnesses, expert analysis, and legal arguments. Given the complexity of the charges and the number of accused, legal analysts anticipate that the proceedings could be protracted, requiring several months or longer to reach a conclusion.

The outcome of the trial may have far-reaching implications for public procurement practices, institutional oversight, and perceptions of the rule of law in Ghana. For many citizens, the case represents more than a legal contest; it has become a symbol of the broader effort to ensure that public officials are held responsible for their actions.

As the trial unfolds, it will continue to attract close attention from legal experts, political commentators, civil society actors, and the general public. The unfolding developments are expected to shape not only the lives of the accused but also future discourse on governance, accountability, and justice in Ghana.