- The prosecution of Ken Ofori-Atta and seven others officially starts at Criminal Court 5 on December 11, 2025
- Charges include corruption and financial loss linked to SML contracts and public procurement irregularities from 2018 to 2024
- Co-accused include Ernest Darko Akore, Emmanuel Kofi Nti, Ammishaddai Owusu-Amoah, Isaac Crentsil, Kwadwo Damoah, Evans Adusei, and SML itself
The long-awaited trial of former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta and seven others officially begins today, Thursday, December 11, following the filing of a 78-count indictment accusing them of corruption and causing financial loss to the state.
The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) confirmed the commencement of proceedings on its official social media page, stating: “The trial of Kenneth Ofori-Atta and 7 others is expected to start today at Criminal Court 5.”
The charges, filed in November 2025, allege that Ofori-Atta and his co-accused were involved in corruption and corruption-related offences linked primarily to Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML) contracts and related public procurement activities.
Court documents indicate that the eight accused—including Ernest Darko Akore, Emmanuel Kofi Nti, Ammishaddai Owusu-Amoah, Isaac Crentsil, Kwadwo Damoah, Evans Adusei, and Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited—allegedly caused significant financial losses to the state through unlawful payments, procurement breaches, and other irregularities in government contracts between 2018 and 2024.
The OSP assured the public that all necessary legal procedures have been followed to commence the trial and emphasized that the case will be handled in full compliance with Ghana’s legal framework. The office also dismissed claims suggesting that the trial is being rushed, calling such assertions unfounded.
While some accused, including Ofori-Atta, are currently outside Ghana and have cited health reasons for their absence, the OSP confirmed that it has taken appropriate legal measures, including issuing summonses and coordinating with international law enforcement where necessary, to ensure all defendants appear as required by law.
The trial is expected to attract nationwide attention amid ongoing debates over the future of the OSP, with civil society groups and some members of Parliament advocating either for the strengthening or the dissolution of the anti-corruption institution.
