OSP Registers First Convictions After Seven Years in Ghana
For the first time since its establishment in 2018, Ghana’s Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has secured criminal convictions. On June 4, 2025, two defendants in the Charles Bissue & Andy Thomas Owusu case pleaded guilty and were convicted via plea agreements. Why This Matters The OSP had previously come under fire for its lack of convictions and questionable operational impact, despite nearly eight years of existence and sizeable budgets. MPs repeatedly questioned what the agency had delivered in return. This breakthrough helps the office regain credibility and demonstrates progress in prosecuting corruption-related offences. Conviction Details DefendantChargesPlea OutcomePenaltiesAndy Thomas OwusuCorruption & Bribe AcceptingGuilty plea via Section 71 plea bargainFine: 500 penalty units (~GHS 6,000); restitution: GHS 200,000Six individuals in Tamale payroll casePayroll fraud & corruptionPlea bargains accepted in courtRestitution: GHS 86,318.95; Penalty: GHS 20,000Total recovered——GHS 106,318.95 repaid to state What It Signals These convictions mark […]