The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has rejected claims made by Prof. Ransford Gyampo, the Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Shippers’ Authority, that the investigation into Ken Ofori-Atta’s tenure as former Finance Minister in the Akufo-Addo administration is motivated by personal hatred.
This comes after Gyampo on TV3’s Keypoints programme, expressed concern about the motives behind the OSP’s recent actions, stating that, “I hope the OSP is not motivated by vendetta.”
In a statement, the OSP said “its actions involving the former Finance Minister are based on stated allegations of corruption and corruption related offences particularly abuse of office for profit, including the multiple-year contract awarded to Strategic Mobilisation Limited (SML).
“While the OSP welcomes criticism of its work, it cautions public officials to refrain from interfering-whether directly or through unfounded public statements- with ongoing investigations. Such actions have the potential to undermine the fight against corruption.”
The OSP further added in the statement that, Prof. Gyampo contacted the Office regarding SML while a lawful search was being conducted at the company’s premises by officers from the OSP and the National Security apparatus.
“Incidentally, the said CEO called and sent messages to the Office in respect of SML while officers of the OSP and National Security were still conducting a legal search of SML’s premises” the statement added.
Prof Ransford Gyampo in a rebuttal denied calling the Office of the Special Prosecutor as indicated, but rather contacted Mr Agyebeng directly.
Dr Gyampo stated that his message to the Special Prosecutor was to caution him to avoid actions that could result in financial loss to the state, even as he carried out his mandate.
“I didn’t call your office, I called YOU. We never spoke on phone because you said you couldn’t speak and that you were going to call back. I only expressed the hope that your intentions are patriotic and not personal. That’s all” he explained.
Read Gyampo’s full Facebook post below:
Folks, Kissi Agyabeng issued the public statement below, following my discussion on TV3 Key Points yesterday. I have also responded to him as follows:
Kissi, I didn’t call your office, I called YOU and we never spoke on phone because you said you couldn’t speak and that you were going to call back.
I texted you just to caution you not to cause financial loss to the state even as you go about your investigations, which I fully favor.
Given what I have heard from across the political divide about your possible intentions, I only expressed the hope that your intentions are patriotic and not personal. That’s all.
It is fine to assure Ghanaians about your intentions but the bit that talks about me calling your office and insinuating that perhaps I called to ask you to do something untoward is unfair and makes me then doubt your intentions the more. I will circulate our whatsup texts also to make the point that I only expressed concern about potential financial loss to Ghana. Thank you
