The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has come under scrutiny for its alleged inaction on two high-profile sports scandals, despite receiving formal petitions.
These concerns have resurfaced following the Special Prosecutor’s recent declaration of former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta as a fugitive.
Critics argue that the Special Prosecutor’s recent charges against individuals are merely a publicity stunt designed to gain public sympathy and impress the new president. They claim these actions are intended to showcase his commitment to fighting corruption rather than genuinely holding wrongdoers accountable.
Furthermore, the accusers contend that since taking office, the Special Prosecutor has yet to recover any stolen funds, despite his mandate to do so. They cite two major sporting controversies that have left a lasting impact on Ghanaian sports as evidence of his office’s ineffectiveness.
The 13th African Games, held in Ghana from March 6 to March 23, 2024, were marred by controversy and widespread criticism.
During an appearance before the Public Accounts Committee of Parliament in August 2024, former Minister of Youth and Sports Mustapha Ussif disclosed that the state broadcaster, GBC, was allocated over $3.6 million for media coverage of the games.
Additionally, a staggering $15 million was reportedly spent on food for the athletes, according to Kobena Woyome, the Ranking Member on the Youth, Sports, and Culture Committee of Parliament.
The massive expenditures on athlete meals, media accreditation, and event coverage raised serious concerns about the management of funds for the games. In total, an astonishing $245 million was allocated for the event.
Solomon Owusu, a senior communicator for the Movement for Change, revealed on TV3 that they had formally requested the Special Prosecutor to investigate the financial mismanagement surrounding the games. However, they have yet to receive any feedback from the OSP.
“In the case of the African Games, I, along with Kwame, the running mate to Alan Kyerematen, submitted a petition. I was accompanied by journalists, including some from your station. As we speak today, if he intends to invite us, only God knows when that will be,” he stated.
Led by sports journalist Saddick Obama and other conveners, including Nana Yaw Kesseh, the #SaveGhanaFootball protest took place on February 14, 2024.
Protesters marched peacefully to express their concerns over the declining state of Ghanaian football.
Following the demonstration, the conveners submitted a 15-point petition to the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin. Additionally, according to Kesseh, supporting documents were also sent to the OSP.
However, Kesseh, another critic of the Special Prosecutor’s inaction, revealed on Peace FM that the OSP has yet to acknowledge or respond to their petition. He criticized the institution for neglecting their concerns.
“After the #SaveGhanaFootball protest, we submitted documents to the Office of the Special Prosecutor detailing our concerns about Ghanaian football. To this day, we have not received a response,” he stated.
FKA/MA
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