The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has closed its investigation into the alleged attempted bribery of the majority caucus of the Parliament of Ghana due to lack of cooperation and insufficient evidence.
The investigation was initiated based on a complaint filed on November 3, 2022, by the pressure group OccupyGhana. The complaint alleged attempted bribery of the majority caucus by a wealthy businessman.
This allegation was made during an interview with Majority leader and MP for Suame, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu and MP for Asante Akyem North Andy Kwame Appiah-Kubi, Members of Parliament, on Accra-based Joy FM where they alleged that an unnamed businessman attempted to bribe a section of the majority caucus.
The Special Prosecutor authorized a preliminary investigation,
followed by a full investigation, spanning eight months. Mr. Appiah-Kubi, the key accuser claimed that a wealthy businessman offered a significant sum of money to influence the caucus’ demand for the resignation or removal of Kenneth Nana Yaw Ofori-Atta, the Minister for Finance.
According to the OSP’s report, during the investigation, Mr. Appiah-Kubi displayed hostility, refused to cooperate, and declined to disclose critical information.
The businessman in question also denied the allegations but admitted frequent visits to Parliament House.
The OSP in its report, observed that Mr. Appiah-Kubi and the accused presented rehearsed and choreographed responses, creating challenges for establishing guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
The report further stated that despite strong indications of attempted bribery, the lack of cooperation from the accuser and the absence of concrete evidence hindered the OSP from pursuing criminal charges against the identified suspect.
The Special Prosecutor, acknowledging the limited probative evidence has directed the closure of the investigation at this time.
The decision not to pursue criminal proceedings is based on the uncooperative stance of the accuser and the insufficient evidence to establish guilt, the report added.
The report emphasizes the possibility of reopening the investigation should new circumstances and facts emerge.
The OSP commended the assistance and facilitation provided by the Rt. Hon. Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, and his office, including the Legal Counsel. The public-spiritedness of the pressure group, OccupyGhana, is also acknowledged.
