OSP begins probe into sale of GES appointment letters of teachers

The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) says it has commenced an extensive investigation into the alleged sale of Ghana Education Service (GES) appointment letters and employment to applicants or interested persons.
In its half-year report published on January 13, 2025, sighted by Pretertiary.com, it said it was investigating a network of some staff of Ghana Education Service and middlemen over the suspected corruption and corruption-related offences.
“The Office has commenced extensive investigation into suspected corruption and corruption-related offences in respect of the sale of Ghana Education Service (GES) appointment letters and employment to applicants
The investigation covers a network of some staff of GES and middlemen suspected to be engaged in the use of public office for profit through the sale of appointment letters and employment to applicants,” the OSP noted.
The Office also said it has commenced an investigation into suspected corruption and corruption-related offences in respect of the activities of the National Service Authority, especially the recruitment of national service personnel and related activities.
The half-year report highlights the investigations and prosecutions conducted by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) and developments in respect of the operations of the Office spanning the period 1 July 2024 to 31 December 2024.
During this period, the OSP sustained its efforts to fulfil its corruption-prevention mandate through targeted engagement with key stakeholders and the public, as well as the implementation of strategic measures to curb corruption and related activities.
According to the Special Prosecutor Office, it will continue to educate and empower the youth, instilling in them an unyielding commitment to combat corruption at every level.
“The Office said its asset recovery efforts will be pursued with unrelenting determination, recognising that vital role in deterring corrupt practices, recovering stolen assets, and ensuring greater accountability within governance systems,” the OSP said in the report.
The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) is the flagship anti-corruption institution in Ghana. It functions as a specialised autonomous investigative and prosecutorial agency.
Its powers and functions are founded on the Office of the Special Prosecutor Act, 2017 (Act 959) and its additional legislative instruments – the Office of the Special Prosecutor Regulations, 2018 (L.I. 2373), governing the management of human capital and discipline and the Office of the Special Prosecutor (Operations) Regulations, 2018 (L.I. 2374), outlining operational protocols.
Further, the mandate of the office extends to the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29); the Criminal and Other Offences (Procedure) Act, 1960 (Act 30); the Public Procurement Act, 2003 (Act 663); and any other law enforcement enactments in the context of corruption and corruption-related offences.