President John Dramani Mahama, has disclosed that over 200 corruption-related cases are presently under investigation, reaffirming his government’s commitment to recover stolen state assets and restore integrity to public service.
Speaking at a media encounter at the Jubilee House in Accra on Wednesday evening, President Mahama, revealed that approximately 80 individuals have already been questioned, with several cases advancing in court.
“Over 200 cases are under active investigation, with about 80 people interrogated so far. Several prosecutions have begun, progressing steadily and remain firmly on course,” he told journalists.
The President stressed that the government’s commitment to due process should not be mistaken for inertia.
“Yes, our insistence on doing things the right way may afford those who have looted this country some temporary relief, but let me be clear, it will not grant them permanent escape,” he declared.
Among the individuals cited in corruption-related cases are former Education Minister Christopher Ameyaw-Akumfi and Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh, the 2024 opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) running mate, linked with Bluegrass Group Ltd, the local agent for Cornfield Group Ltd.
Bluegrass, has been identified as a front for Sarah Mary Olufemi Adetola, alias Femi, the wife of former Executive Secretary to the President, Nana Bediatuo Asante, who was tasked with procuring the controversial Kapek Scientific Mathematical Instruments (SMI).
The mathematical contract was awarded in 2019 by the Ministry of Education for distribution to Senior High School (SHS) students across Ghana, priced at US$60 millio
Bluegrass Group Ltd, owned by Kwadwo Darko-Mensah, alias “Onassis”, was contracted to supply 853,009 units of the scientific mathematical sets annually, at a unit cost of GH¢75, totalling GH¢63,975,675 per year over the contract term.
Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh, popularly known as NAPO, has already honoured invitations to assist with the ongoing investigation. Sarah Mary Olufemi Adetola, according to The Herald’s contacts, has also spent some time in EOCO’s custody over the Mathematical Instruments matter.
Also named is NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as “Chairman Wontumi,” who faces multiple cases, including alleged illegal mining in a restricted forest and dealings with an Exim Bank facility.
President Mahama explained that these cases fall under his government’s flagship Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) initiative, which is designed to pursue individuals and entities implicated in the diversion or misuse of public funds.
“The perceived delay in pursuing anybody who has dissipated or stolen state funds does not amount to an abandoned fight against corruption,” he clarified. “Instead, it is a necessary commitment to the rule of law, fairness and judicial integrity.”
Providing updates, the President said the trial of Republic v. Adu Boahen and three others has commenced, with prosecution witnesses already cross-examined. The much-publicised SkyTrain case, he added, has secured a confirmed trial date.
On the National Service Authority scandal, he disclosed that charges had been drafted and would be filed at the start of the new legal year, while the government awaited a forensic audit from the Auditor-General before proceeding in the National Cathedral matter.
“Charges have been drafted and are ready for filing in the case of Republic v. Wontumi and Akonta Mining. The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) is finalising its report on Exim Bank transactions. Dockets are in preparation for the Buffer Stock case and the Drip Equipment case. Investigations are also ongoing into the African Cup of Nations case, the Mathematics set case, and approximately 20 others,” he said
The President assured Ghanaians that his administration would not relent in the pursuit of justice.
“What you are witnessing is not inaction. It is our steadfast adherence to due diligence, due process, and fairness in the pursuit of justice,” he insisted, adding, “Let me be clear, every single case of corruption that needs to be investigated is being looked into, and once evidence is found to ground the prosecution, that will happen and happen swiftly.”
“My friends, I understand that public accountability and the recovery of looted state resources are at the top of your expectations from my government. And let me assure you, my fellow citizens, that we have not wavered in our commitment for even a moment. Neither have we been complacent”, he stated.
“What you are witnessing is not inaction. It is our steadfast adherence to due diligence, due process, and fairness in the pursuit of justice. Yes, our insistence on doing things the right way may afford those who have looted this country some temporary relief”.
“But let me be clear, it will not grant them permanent escape. Across multiple fronts, active pursuits and prosecutions are well underway under the Operation Recover All the Loots. Over 200 cases are under active investigation, with about 80 people interrogated so far”
“Several prosecutions have begun, progressing steadily and remaining firmly on course. In the Republic v. Adu Boaheng and three others, the State has submitted witness statements, together with all other documents, and trial has commenced. And the first of three prosecution witnesses have been called and have been cross-examined by counsel for the accused person”.
“With the SkyTrain case, for instance, the prosecutors have secured a trial date. As all preliminary matters have been concluded, the trial is set to commence. For the National Service Authority case, due to its expansive nature, charges have been drafted and will be filed as soon as the legal year begins against the following persons, the Republic v. Osei Assibey, the Republic v. Eric Nyarko, the Republic v. Gifty Oware”.
“Also for the National Cathedral, we are awaiting a forensic audit from the Auditor General. Additionally, charges have been drafted and are ready for filing in the case of Republic v. Wontumi and Akonta Mining. The Economic and Organized Crime Office, EOCO, is finalizing its report with respect to Exim Bank transactions”.
“Dockets are in preparation for the Buffer Stock case and the Drip Equipment case. Investigations are ongoing into the African Cup of Nations case, the Mathematics set case, and approximately 20 other cases currently. Let me be clear, every single case of corruption that needs to be investigated is being looked into, and once evidence is found to ground the prosecution, that will happen and happen swiftly”.
The encounter, which drew senior editors, journalists and media executives from across the country, saw sharp and fearless questioning from the press. The President’s answers underscored a strategy of building watertight cases grounded in evidence, rather than rushing prosecutions that risk collapse in court.
Source
Unmute
