In 2025, Ghana’s anti-corruption drive under Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) ramped up, with the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), the Attorney-General’s Department, and other investigative organisations investigating some of the most high-profile corruption cases in recent history.
These prosecutions have not only dominated headlines, but have also generated national debates about governance, accountability, and the rule of law.
These cases are representative of a greater increase in corruption prosecutions in Ghana throughout 2025.
1. The SML procurement corruption trial
Kenneth Nana Yaw Ofori-Atta
Former Finance Minister Ken Ofori Atta and seven other people are accused of corruption and associated charges relating to revenue assurance contracts with Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML) in one of the most well-known cases of 2025.
A concerted operation that resulted in more than GH¢1.4 billion in dubious state spending is alleged in the High Court charge sheet, which contains 78 charges.
Due to the accused’s political standing and the size of the purported financial loss, the trial has garnered a lot of attention, highlighting the government’s dedication to pursue high-level corruption cases.
2. National Service Scheme ‘ghost names’ scandal
Gifty Oware-Aboagye / Mustapha Usif / Osei Asibey Antwi
Twelve people, including senior National Service Scheme (NSS) officials, were charged in connection with a phantom names payroll scheme in one of Ghana’s biggest public payroll fraud cases. According to investigators, salaries were paid to bogus employees, resulting in losses of more than GH¢653 million.
The incident caused widespread indignation by revealing significant weaknesses in programs intended to assist recent graduates and demonstrating the pervasiveness of corruption beyond typical procurement abuses.
3. NAFCO Buffer Stock scandal
Abdul-Wahab Hanan
Former CEO Hanan Abdul Wahab and his wife Faiza Seidu Wuni were charged with stealing, conspiracy, causing financial loss to the state, and money laundering for allegedly diverting GH78.2 million in public funds.
The case was termed the “Rumble in the Jungle” scandal. It is claimed that funding meant for crucial programs, such as school nutrition, were diverted through shell corporations, leaving vital social services underfunded.
4. NPA extortion and money laundering scheme
Mustapha Abdul-Hamid, former NPA boss
Over GH¢280 million in illegal earnings were traced by the Office of the Special Prosecutor, which discovered a massive corruption scheme inside the National Petroleum Authority (NPA).
High-ranking officials allegedly used their regulatory positions to demand large payments from oil marketing firms and other organisations under their supervision, according to investigations.
Following the filing of criminal charges, serious corruption risks within important regulatory organisations were revealed.
5. Chairman Wontumi / Exim Bank loan fraud case
Bernard Antwi Boasiako – Chairman Wontumi
Bernard Antwi Boasiako, also known as Chairman Wontumi, and friends were accused by the Attorney-General’s Department in late 2025 of fraud, forgery, and inflicting financial loss to the state in connection with a GH¢24 million loan application for Wontumi Farms Limited that was filed to Ghana Exim Bank.
The case has sparked discussions about corruption in Ghana’s corporate and political domains, demonstrating how financial misbehaviour affects private organisations with political affiliations in addition to state institutions.
6. Sky Train scandal
Prof. Christopher Ameyaw Akumfi / Solomon Asamoah
Solomon Asamoah and Professor Christopher Ameyaw Akumfi are charged in connection with the $2 million Accra Sky Train project.
Both men are accused of intentionally misusing public funds and inflicting financial harm to the state.
Source: newsthemegh.com