SML scandal: Ghana saved $2.7 billion as a result of the OSP’s investigation

Samuel Darko, Director of Research, Strategy, and Communication at the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), claims that the nation saved $2.7 billion as a result of the OSP’s investigation, which resulted in the termination of the contentious Strategic Mobilization Limited (SML) contract—a government contract whose performance and legitimacy had raised questions.

In an interview with X Space on Sunday, November 23, 2025, he revealed this and described how the OSP’s efforts immediately stop the loss of public cash.

He said that the OSP’s involvement prevented the state from having to pay billions of dollars for “no work done.” He pointed out that if the OSP hadn’t intervened, the contract would have cost Ghana $2.7 billion over five years.

According to Mr. Darko, the savings are covered under the OSP’s preventive powers, which enable the organization to halt dubious transactions before public funds are wasted “If not for the OSP’s investigation, this money would have gone out,” he added.

According to Mr. Darko, the savings are covered under the OSP’s preventive powers, which enable the organization to halt dubious transactions before public funds are wasted. “This money would have gone out if it weren’t for the OSP’s investigation,” he added.

He also cited other situations in which financial losses were avoided via the OSP. He mentioned the Northern Development Authority instance, in which the OSP ordered the suspension of remaining contract payments because of alleged violations. He also mentioned how the Northern Region’s investigations into ghost names saved the nation GH¢34 million in a single fiscal year.

Mr. Darko disclosed that as the OSP continues to bolster its operations and safeguard public resources, more cases are anticipated to proceed to court following the judicial break.

Source: Ghanatodayonline.com