Former Minister of State at the Finance Ministry, Charles Adu Boahen, has been cleared of criminal wrongdoing by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) after an extensive investigation into corruption allegations.
The allegations came to light through an exposé by investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas and his Tigereye PI firm.
The OSP’s report stated that while Adu Boahen was involved in influence peddling, his actions did not constitute actual criminal activity that would warrant further legal action.
The report emphasizes that there is no specific criminal prohibition against Adu Boahen’s conduct that falls within the mandate of the Special Prosecutor.
In the report, the Special Prosecutor directed the closure of the investigation into allegations of corruption and corruption-related offenses involving Charles Adu Boahen, as revealed in the investigative documentary titled “Galamsey Economy” published by Tiger Eye P.I. However, it was noted that the investigation could be reopened if new circumstances or facts emerge.
The controversy surrounding Adu Boahen’s actions began with investigations by Tiger Eye PI, which revealed his involvement in influence peddling.
The investigative report disclosed that Adu Boahen had suggested that Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia could receive a $200,000 appearance fee for attracting investors. This revelation led to Dr. Bawumia publicly distancing himself from Adu Boahen’s conduct, stating that the alleged behavior was untenable for someone in Adu Boahen’s position.
Shortly after Dr. Bawumia’s public statement, President Akufo-Addo took action by dismissing Charles Adu Boahen from his ministerial position and referred the allegations to the Special Prosecutor for further investigation.
Charles Adu Boahen denied the allegations of corruption and claimed that there was an attempt to entrap him in 2018. The initial exposé was first reported in the New Crusading Guide ahead of the screening of an exposé on illegal mining.
In November 2022, Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng confirmed that his office had promptly initiated an investigation into the actions of Charles Adu Boahen and other individuals implicated in the allegations. Now, with the closure of the case by the OSP, the former minister has been cleared of criminal wrongdoing, although the controversy surrounding his actions remains a topic of public interest.
