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July 21, 2026
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US Judge says OSP failed to provide evidence linking Ofori-Atta to criminal wrongdoing
Money
Policy
Key Points
- A US immigration judge ruled that Ghana’s Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) failed to provide persuasive evidence of criminal wrongdoing by former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta.
- The ruling was made on June 15, 2026, during Mr. Ofori-Atta’s application for adjustment of status in the United States.
- The Department of Homeland Security had opposed his application, citing pending criminal charges filed against him by the OSP in Ghana.
- Judge David Gardey found no convincing evidence that Mr. Ofori-Atta engaged in criminal activity or personally benefited from his public role, after reviewing the OSP's affidavit.
- The court also noted Mr. Ofori-Atta's credible denial of receiving benefits and referenced a KPMG review that identified SML contract inefficiencies but no criminal wrongdoing by him.
Why This Matters
This ruling from an international court could significantly impact the credibility and effectiveness of Ghana's Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) in prosecuting high-profile corruption cases. It raises critical questions about the quality of evidence presented by anti-corruption bodies, potentially affecting public trust in Ghana's institutions and future efforts to combat corruption within the government.
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- Over 200 farmers at Akyem Asene in the Eastern Region are appealing to the government for adequate compensation for farms destroyed for the new Accra-Kumasi expressway.
- Affected properties include cocoa, food crop, and oil palm farms, which were their main sources of livelihood.
- The farmers staged a demonstration, detailing economic hardships, including difficulty meeting daily needs and paying school fees, since their farms were destroyed over eight months ago.
- Leaders highlighted significant financial losses, with one farmer, Da Costa Asamoah, losing an estimated GH¢40,000 annual income from his 8-acre cocoa farm.
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NAIMOS begins community engagements in galamsey-prone areas
- The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has launched community engagements in galamsey-prone areas.
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- This strategy complements existing enforcement operations rather than replacing them, as part of a broader coordinated effort.
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‘We tend to be open-minded and liberal, but that’s not how we’ve lived so far’ – Kufuor
- Former President Kufuor advocates for a Ghana where individual enterprise thrives, supported by strong leadership and inclusive governance.
- He emphasizes leveraging Ghana's natural resources and human talent, cautioning against stifling initiative with excessive taxation.
- Kufuor envisions a state framework that empowers the private sector to mature, attract investment, and allow citizens to build legitimate wealth.
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