OSP Files New Charges Against Former PPA Boss

The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has initiated fresh charges against Adjenim Boateng Adjei, the former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Public Procurement Authority (PPA).

This move comes as the latest development in the ongoing legal proceedings against him.

The new charge sheet, filed on Wednesday, April 17 2024, contains eight charges related to the alleged misuse of public office for personal gain.

However, it notably drops the charge of misusing public office for personal profit against his co-accused, Francis Kwaku, who is also his brother-in-law.

During a session at the Criminal Division of the High Court in Accra on Thursday, April 18, 2024, prosecutors from the OSP informed Justice Mary Maame Ekue Yanzuh of the fresh charge sheet.

They clarified that this new filing signifies a fresh start to the case rather than a mere continuation.

Additionally, the court was apprised that the previous charge sheet, which included 17 charges against the former PPA boss, would be withdrawn.

These charges comprised four counts each of using public office for profit and indirectly influencing the procurement process to obtain an unfair advantage in the award of a procurement contract.

Both Adjenim-Boateng Adjei and his brother-in-law, Francis Kwaku, were present in court during the proceedings. Adjei’s plea is scheduled to be taken on Monday, while his brother-in-law will be formally discharged on the same day.

Prior to this development, Adjenim Boateng Adjei had been facing 17 corruption-related charges by the Special Prosecutor. The trial had commenced with Manasseh, the first Prosecution Witness, undergoing cross-examination.

Meanwhile, the OSP has made the latest charge sheet available on its website, providing transparency regarding the legal proceedings.

In summary, the case stems from allegations of corruption initially referred to the OSP by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. These allegations were based on an investigative documentary titled “Contracts for Sale” by journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni.

The OSP contends that Adjenim Boateng Adjei, during his tenure as CEO of the PPA, engaged in actions that improperly favored Talent Discovery Limited, a company in which he had a significant personal interest.

These actions allegedly included participating in procurement processes and influencing decisions without disclosing his personal interest in the company.