Pass Corrupt Practices Act Into Law- OSP

The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has advocated for the passage of a Corrupt Practices Act and a Conduct of Public Officers Act.

It follows the establishment of influence peddling in the conduct of the country’s former Minister of State at the Finance Ministry, Charles Adu Boahen by the Office after an investigation.

Unfortunately, since the act has not been criminalised by Ghana, he goes scot-free for the offence.

In a statement, the OSP said influence peddling or trading in influence is a significant index of corruption worldwide and it is deprecated under the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC).

“Though Ghana is a state party to the UNCAC, the nation has yet to specifically prohibit influence peddling or trading in influence as a criminal offence. Consequently, the OSP lacks the legal mandate to pursue prosecution in this matter.”

As such the Office has joined calls for the passage of a Corrupt Practices Act and a Conduct of Public Officers Act.

The Office explained that these legislative measures are essential for the establishment of a stronger legal framework and more effective mechanisms to combat and penalise corruption and corruption-related offences.

Background
Tiger Eye PI released an investigative piece in November 2022 titled “Galamsey Economy” which exposed Adu Boahen taking bundles of US Dollars (bribe) from an undercover journalist disguised as a potential investor for Ghana to lead him.

In his conversation with the said investor, the former government official demanded a 20% cut of the investment worth US$500,000,000.00 and US$200,000.00 as an appearance fee for a meeting with the Vice President.

Additionally, he received US$40,000.00 from the investor for shopping.

These were accompanied by his lectures about his close relationship with the President, the Vice President as well as his father’s former position in the country.

On November 14, following the release of the trailer to the documentary, President Akufo-Addo referred the alleged corruption and corruption-related case to the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) for investigations.

The investigations span six months.

In its findings, the OSP established that the former Minister of State engaged in influence peddling when he offered to introduce a masquerading investor to Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia at an appearance fee of USD200,000 and demanded a 20% cut of the investment.

“Mr Adu Boahen engaged in trading in influence or influence peddling by employing his political office and close personal ties to the President and the Vice President to obtain favours of an actual cash gift and a prospective percentage cut of the proposed investment by the supposed sheikh,” a report of the OSP’s investigations in the case said.

According to the OSP, the Vice President did not know about the said encounter and deal.