Ghana’s anti-corruption drive under Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) gained fresh momentum in 2025, as the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), the Attorney-General’s Department and other investigative agencies pressed ahead with some of the most consequential corruption cases in the country’s recent history.
Beyond commanding headlines, the prosecutions have fuelled nationwide debate on governance, accountability and respect for the rule of law. Collectively, they reflect a marked rise in corruption-related investigations and trials throughout the year.
President John Dramani Mahama’s administration says more than 200 corruption cases are currently under investigation or before the courts as part of its broader anti-graft agenda—an escalation aimed at recovering misappropriated public funds and restoring public confidence in state institutions.
Still, the campaign has not been without setbacks. Critics point to stretched prosecutorial capacity and institutional bottlenecks, while external observers warn that chronic underfunding of anti-corruption agencies and the risk of political interference could weaken the long-term impact of the crackdown.
Below are five cases that captured national attention in 2025:
1. SML procurement corruption trial
Among the year’s most prominent cases is the prosecution of former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta and seven others over Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML) revenue assurance contracts.
Prosecutors have filed 78 charges, alleging a coordinated arrangement that resulted in more than GH¢1.4 billion in questionable public expenditure. The scale of the alleged loss and the stature of the accused have kept the trial firmly in the public spotlight.
2. National Service Scheme ‘ghost names’ scandal
In one of the largest payroll fraud cases in Ghana’s history, twelve people—including senior National Service Scheme (NSS) officials—were charged over an alleged ghost names scheme. Investigators say fictitious beneficiaries were paid salaries, costing the state more than GH¢653 million and exposing systemic weaknesses in a programme meant to support young graduates.
3. NAFCO Buffer Stock scandal
The National Food and Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO) case saw former CEO Hanan Abdul-Wahab and his wife, Faiza Seidu Wuni, arraigned on charges including stealing, conspiracy, causing financial loss to the state and money laundering.
Prosecutors allege the diversion of GH¢78.2 million through shell companies, depriving programmes such as school feeding of vital funding. Authorities labelled the affair the “Rumble in the Jungle” scandal.
4. NPA extortion and money-laundering scheme
The OSP also uncovered an alleged corruption network within the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), tracing more than GH¢280 million in suspected illicit proceeds.
According to investigators, senior officials exploited their regulatory authority to extort payments from oil marketing companies and other regulated entities, prompting criminal charges and renewed scrutiny of regulatory oversight.
5. Ken Ofori-Atta – National Cathedral case
On Wednesday, February 12, 2025, Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng declared former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta wanted for corruption and related offences linked to five controversial transactions.
The allegations include causing financial loss to the state through the National Cathedral project, an ambulance spare parts deal, and the termination of an ECG–Beijing Technology agreement intended to cut distribution losses and modernise the power network.
