The legal standoff between media personality Paul Adom-Otchere and the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has escalated into a courtroom battle, as the former Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) Board Chairman seeks to overturn a directive compelling him to declare his assets and income.
Mr. Adom-Otchere has filed an application at the High Court (General Jurisdiction Division) challenging what he describes as an unlawful and unconstitutional directive issued by the OSP on August 4, 2025. The case sets up a significant legal confrontation between a prominent journalist and one of Ghana’s most powerful anti-corruption institutions.
The Heart of the Dispute
The suit, filed through Mr. Adom-Otchere’s legal team led by former Attorney-General Godfred Dame, argues that the OSP’s directive violates the Office of the Special Prosecutor Act, 2017 (Act 959) and its accompanying regulations. The application contends that the order for property and income declaration constitutes an abuse of authority by the Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng, and falls outside the lawful powers of the OSP.
The disputed directive was issued as part of the OSP’s ongoing investigation into alleged corruption and corruption-related offences involving a revenue assurance contract awarded by the GACL to a private firm, Evatex Limited.
The Legal Reliefs Sought
Mr. Adom-Otchere is asking the court to intervene and restrain the OSP from enforcing the directive. His application seeks four main reliefs:
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Declaration of Unlawfulness – A ruling that the OSP’s order for him to declare his assets and income is unlawful, unconstitutional, and issued in violation of Act 959 and its regulations.
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Declaration of Harassment – A finding that the OSP’s actions, including alleged threats of detention, confiscation, and prosecution, amount to harassment and an abuse of investigative powers.
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Prohibitory Order – An injunction restraining the OSP from detaining or threatening to detain him for failing to comply with the declaration order.
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Order of Certiorari – A judicial order quashing the OSP’s directive entirely on grounds that it is null, void, and without legal effect.
Broader Implications
The case is expected to test the scope of the OSP’s investigative authority and its power to compel individuals under investigation to declare their assets. Legal analysts suggest that the outcome could have far-reaching implications for the interpretation of the OSP’s mandate under Ghana’s anti-corruption framework.
The OSP has yet to publicly comment on the legal action. However, sources within the institution maintain that the directive forms part of a lawful investigative process aimed at promoting accountability and transparency.
The High Court is expected to set a date for hearing in the coming days.
Story By: Afia Ohenewaa Akyerem