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The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has placed former Finance Minister Kenneth Nana Yaw Ofori-Atta under intense scrutiny as part of its ongoing investigation into corruption linked to the National Cathedral project.
In its half-year report for the period of July to December 2024, released on January 13, 2025, the OSP revealed that it has commenced a thorough probe into alleged corruption, procurement irregularities, and abuse of office involving Ofori-Atta in relation to the construction of the National Cathedral.
The OSP’s investigation focuses on multiple aspects of the National Cathedral project, with Ofori-Atta’s actions during his tenure as finance minister being a central point of interest.
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According to the report, the investigation is centred around several key allegations, including the improper procurement of contractors, irregular payments made by the National Cathedral Secretariat, and financial transactions overseen by Ofori-Atta himself.
The investigation was launched following a referral from the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), which had completed its own probe into claims of corruption and abuse of power regarding the project.
CHRAJ’s findings prompted further action from the OSP, as the office assesses whether the allegations meet the threshold for criminal charges.
Ofori-Atta is specifically being investigated for his role in the financial dealings associated with the National Cathedral project. The OSP has detailed several payments that were made during his tenure, some of which were allegedly linked to contractors involved in the construction. Investigators are examining whether these payments were made in accordance with the law or if they were designed to benefit certain individuals or entities improperly.
The OSP’s probe is also focused on the procurement process for the National Cathedral, with particular emphasis on whether there were any irregularities in how contractors and materials were selected and whether any individuals were improperly awarded contracts or received inflated payments.
The investigation into Ofori-Atta is part of a broader effort by the OSP to address corruption within Ghana’s public sector. The office has been actively reviewing multiple complaints related to corruption in the procurement of goods and services, the misuse of public office for personal gain, and other financial misconducts within key governmental institutions.
In addition to the National Cathedral probe, the OSP is also investigating alleged corruption within the National Service Authority, procurement irregularities within the Ministry of Health related to an ambulance purchase contract, and corruption related to illegal mining activities.
However, the investigation into Ofori-Atta and the National Cathedral project remains one of the most high-profile cases currently under review.
Former Finance Minister Ofori-Atta has consistently denied any wrongdoing and has defended his actions during his tenure in office. In response to the investigations, Ofori-Atta has called for transparency and a fair process, expressing confidence that the ongoing probes will clear his name.
Despite his denials, the OSP remains committed to ensuring accountability and transparency in the management of public resources. As part of its mandate, the OSP aims to hold individuals, especially high-ranking public officials, accountable for any misuse of office and to restore public trust in Ghana’s governance systems.
The report highlights that the OSP continues to face significant challenges in its work, including legal obstacles, resource constraints, and institutional resistance. Some government agencies have been slow to comply with OSP directives, and public misinformation about the office’s mandate has also hindered its progress.
Despite these challenges, the OSP remains resolute in its mission to combat corruption at the highest levels of government. The office has also emphasised the importance of institutional cooperation and increased public awareness of the dangers of corruption to ensure that cases like the National Cathedral investigation are handled with integrity.
As the investigation into Ofori-Atta and the National Cathedral project continues, the OSP has stated that it will only proceed with cases that meet the legal threshold for full investigation. The office has committed to publicising its findings once cases have been reviewed and charges are decided, ensuring that the public is kept informed of the outcomes.
In addition to the National Cathedral investigation, the OSP is also focusing on several other cases, including corruption related to illegal mining activities, procurement irregularities in public contracts, and electoral corruption. The office is determined to press forward with its mandate, which includes investigating corruption among both public officials and private individuals with ties to government entities.
Read the full report:
