The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), led by Kissi Agyebeng, is reportedly seeking the arrest of Paul Adom-Otchere, former Board Chairman of the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL), in connection with a revenue assurance contract signed between the company and private firm EVERTEKS.
According to sources close to the matter, the Special Prosecutor’s office is investigating potential breaches of procurement and public interest in the execution of the agreement. However, critics argue that Mr. Adom-Otchere did not sign the contract in question, which was reportedly executed by the Managing Director of GACL, and question the rationale behind targeting him specifically.
Allegations of Targeted Silencing
The development has sparked accusations of political witch-hunting and media repression. Analysts suggest that the OSP’s action may be linked to Mr. Adom-Otchere’s recent critical broadcasts on his Good Evening Ghana program, which have spotlighted alleged irregularities and perceived overreach within the OSP itself.
Several civil society voices and press freedom advocates have raised concerns, suggesting the action may form part of a broader campaign under the current NDC administration, led by President John Dramani Mahama, to suppress dissent and muzzle investigative journalism.
Press Freedom Under Threat?
This latest incident comes amid growing tension between the press and state security apparatus. Earlier this week, a journalist from Joy News was reportedly assaulted and detained by National Security operatives while covering the controversial demolition of a warehouse reportedly belonging to the McDan Group of Companies. The incident has been widely condemned by media associations and human rights groups.
OSP Yet to Respond
The Office of the Special Prosecutor has not officially commented on the allegations of political bias or media repression. Legal experts have called for transparency in the handling of the EVERTEKS contract case and urged the OSP to focus on evidence-based prosecutions rather than personality-driven investigations.
Meanwhile, supporters of Mr. Adom-Otchere argue that any attempt to arrest or detain him without clear legal grounds would set a dangerous precedent and undermine public confidence in the independence and objectivity of anti-corruption institutions.
Political Implications
The unfolding drama is likely to fuel further political polarization in Ghana, as the country approaches a critical period in its democratic journey. Observers warn that targeting media personalities and whistleblowers could weaken democratic accountability and embolden authoritarian tendencies.
