Blame OSP for delaying SML case – Corporate Counsel

Cephas Boyuo, the Corporate Counsel for Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML), has criticized the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) for hindering the prosecution of a criminal case linked to his client and several former officials. Boyuo alleged that the OSP, which concluded its investigation and filed charges against the defendants as early as November 2025, has yet to deliver the evidence needed for the trial.

On November 18, 2025, the OSP issued 78 charges accusing Ken Ofori-Atta, Ernest Darko Akore, and six others of violating specific acts related to criminal offenses and public procurement. Boyuo argued that all six defendants, apart from Ofori-Atta and Akore, should receive the evidence the prosecution plans to use in court, but this process has been dragging on for over a year despite the OSP claiming its investigations were complete.

The delay is particularly troubling as the case has yet to move on to case management and trial stages. Boyuo pointed out that the OSP's efforts to obtain the presence of Ofori-Atta and Akore, as well as challenges related to their authority, have contributed to the delays. The OSP recently faced challenges to its independent powers, which were decided by the Supreme Court.

Additionally, the OSP reportedly intends to add more defendants to the case, which could further delay proceedings. Boyuo questioned why the prosecution's case against Ofori-Atta and Akore, if it could proceed independently, has been stalled while the rest of the defendants waited. He emphasized that the allegations against SML are unfounded and that the company had legally obtained its contract, performing its obligations under it.

Boyuo stressed that SML is ready to defend itself in court and urged the OSP to allow the case to proceed so the allegations can be tested through the judicial system.