Story By: Dennis Ato Keelson
The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has announced significant progress in its investigations into two major corruption scandals – the Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF) gold deal and the alleged diversion of petroleum products by over 30 Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs).
In a statement, the OSP revealed that it has taken crucial steps, including freezing accounts, seizing assets, and imposing travel restrictions on certain individuals, as part of the ongoing MIIF probe.
The investigation focuses on a gold trading arrangement between MIIF and Goldridge Company Limited, which was meant to support Ghana’s gold-for-oil and reserves program. The state may have lost around US$94 million in the deal, prompting the OSP to launch a corruption investigation. The CEO of Goldridge Company Limited, Nana Yaw Duodu, also known as Dr. Sledge, was detained and his residence was raided as part of the investigation.
The OSP has also been probing a massive fuel diversion scheme involving multiple OMCs, with efforts underway to recover millions of cedis in lost revenue. The alleged diversions have major revenue implications for the state. Additionally, several other cases, including the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) and Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML) matters, are already in court.
The OSP remains committed to its mandate to prevent, investigate, and prosecute corruption, and to recover state assets. The office reaffirmed its commitment to due process, transparency, and protecting the public interest as the cases advance toward possible prosecution.
