Ken Ofori-Atta’s Trial to Resume August 27 After Supreme Court Clears OSP’s Legal Authority

By: Ebenezer Adu-Gyamfi / Emmanuel Ayiku for GhanaianNewsCanada | August 10,2026

The long-running corruption case involving former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta is set to return to court on Thursday, August 27, 2026, following a major Supreme Court decision affirming the constitutional validity of the law establishing the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP).

The resumption of the trial marks an important development in one of Ghana’s most closely watched corruption cases involving a former senior government official.

The OSP announced on Monday, August 10, that proceedings would resume after the Supreme Court unanimously upheld the constitutionality of the Office of the Special Prosecutor Act, 2017 (Act 959).

The ruling effectively removes a major legal obstacle that had brought several OSP prosecutions before the courts to a standstill.

Why the Trial Was Put on Hold

The proceedings had been suspended since April 2026 following a High Court decision that raised questions about the OSP’s prosecutorial powers.

The legal dispute centered on whether the Special Prosecutor could independently investigate and prosecute corruption-related offences and whether additional authorization was required before the office could commence criminal proceedings.

The matter eventually reached the Supreme Court, which delivered a unanimous ruling affirming the constitutional validity of the OSP’s enabling legislation.

With that legal question now settled, the prosecution is preparing to continue with its case against Ofori-Atta and the other accused persons.

What Is Ken Ofori-Atta Accused Of?

Ofori-Atta is currently facing 28 counts of corruption and corruption-related offences arising from investigations into revenue assurance contracts involving Strategic Mobilization Limited (SML) and the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA).

The case originally involved significantly more charges.

In November 2025, the OSP charged Ofori-Atta and seven other individuals with 78 counts. Following amendments to the charges, the former Finance Minister now faces 28 counts, while the other accused persons face various charges connected to the same investigation.

The prosecution alleges that the accused persons were involved in various acts of corruption and corruption-related offences connected to the SML-GRA revenue assurance arrangements.

It is important to stress that these remain allegations before the court. Ofori-Atta has not been convicted of the offences, and the prosecution must establish its case in court.

Who Else Is Facing Trial?

The case extends beyond the former Finance Minister.

Among those standing trial alongside Ofori-Atta are former GRA Commissioners-General Emmanuel Kofi Nti and Ammishaddai Owusu-Amoah, former Customs Commissioner Isaac Crentsil, former Customs Commissioner Kwadwo Damoah, SML Chief Executive Officer Evans Adusei, and Ofori-Atta’s former Chief of Cabinet, Ernest Darko Akore.

The involvement of several former senior public officials has made the case particularly significant, with the proceedings expected to receive considerable public and political attention when they resume.

The SML-GRA Controversy

At the center of the case are contracts and arrangements between SML and the GRA concerning revenue assurance.

The controversy surrounding the contracts became a major national issue, attracting scrutiny over public expenditure, procurement processes and the effectiveness of systems used to monitor revenue collection.

The OSP subsequently launched investigations and brought criminal proceedings after examining the circumstances surrounding the arrangements.

The court proceedings are expected to provide an opportunity for both the prosecution and defense to present evidence and arguments concerning the allegations.

A Major Test for Ghana’s Anti-Corruption Fight

The resumption of the trial comes at a time when Ghana’s fight against corruption remains a major issue in national discourse.

The case is particularly important because of the seniority of the former officials involved and the substantial public interest surrounding the SML-GRA contracts.

For the OSP, the proceedings also represent an important test of its ability to pursue complex corruption cases involving former government officials and major public institutions.

The Supreme Court’s recent ruling has further clarified the legal foundation upon which the Special Prosecutor operates.

Ofori-Atta’s Absence in the United States

Another important aspect of the case is Ofori-Atta’s circumstances in the United States.

The former Finance Minister has secured permanent residency in the United States after a US Immigration Court approved his application for adjustment of status. His lawyers announced the development in June 2026.

His situation in the United States has previously attracted significant attention as Ghanaian authorities sought to advance the corruption proceedings against him.

The question of how his presence outside Ghana will affect the proceedings remains an issue that could continue to feature in the case.

What Happens on August 27?

When proceedings resume on August 27, attention will turn to the next stage of the prosecution.

The court will have to determine how the case proceeds following the Supreme Court’s ruling, while the prosecution and defense teams continue with their respective legal strategies.

For observers, the hearing will be significant not only because it marks the return of a high-profile corruption case but also because it follows months of legal uncertainty surrounding the powers of the OSP.

A Case with Wider Implications

Beyond the individuals involved, the Ofori-Atta case has broader implications for Ghana’s justice and anti-corruption systems.

It raises fundamental questions about how public contracts are awarded, how government revenue is monitored and how public officials are held accountable when allegations of wrongdoing arise.

At the same time, the case underscores the importance of due process.

For Ghana’s anti-corruption institutions to maintain public confidence, investigations and prosecutions must be conducted transparently, while accused persons must be given a fair opportunity to defend themselves in court.

The Public Will Be Watching

The return of the case to court is likely to attract considerable attention from Ghanaians at home and abroad.

Many will be watching to see whether the prosecution can successfully establish the allegations against the accused persons, while others will be equally interested in the defense’s response and the court’s eventual findings.

For now, the legal process continues.

No final determination has been made on Ofori-Atta’s guilt or innocence, and the court proceedings will ultimately determine whether the allegations brought by the prosecution are proven beyond the required legal standard.

As the August 27 hearing approaches, the case once again places Ghana’s fight against corruption, the powers of the Special Prosecutor and the accountability of public officials firmly in the national spotlight.

GhanaianNewsCanada will continue to follow the proceedings and provide detailed updates as this high-profile case develops.