Adu Boahen Engaged In Influence Peddling, Not A Crime – OSP

The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has established that former Minister of State at the Finance Ministry, Charles Adu Boahen 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.

“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.

The OSP in its definition of Influence peddling said it’s the practice of using one’s influence or connections in public office or with persons in public office to obtain favours or preferential treatment for oneself or for another person, usually in return for payment.

The Office, however, noted that the act is not criminal in Ghana unlike in other jurisdictions. This means the OSP cannot go any further with prosecution.

It has thus directed the closure of the investigation.

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.