The Office of the Special Prosecutor has released mugshots of individuals charged alongside former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta in the ongoing SML scandal, prompting a strong reaction from investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni.
In a statement shared publicly, Manasseh highlighted the identities of some of the key figures captured in the released images, noting, “The OSP has released mugshots of the persons charged together with Ken Ofori-Atta in the SML scandal. Among them is Evans Adusei, the man who owns and runs SML and Evatex Logistics Limited.”
He further pointed to the circumstances surrounding the companies’ operations, stating, “While SML was busted at different places, Evatex won a revenue assurance contract with the Ghana Airports Company, three days before the 2024 election.”
According to him, both companies lacked the legal mandate to undertake the work they were contracted for. “Neither SML nor Evatex is licensed to undertake auditing and revenue assurance services, according to the Institute of Chartered Accountants, Ghana.”
Manasseh described the outcome of his investigative work as beneficial to the state, adding, “Our investigation resulted in the cancellation of both needless and shady contracts, and Ghana stands to gain.” He also welcomed the legal accountability process now underway. “They will have their day in court to defend themselves,” he said.
Manasseh’s remarks follow the filing of a criminal charge sheet at the High Court of Justice, Criminal Division, against Ofori-Atta and seven others.
The charges, filed on November 18, 2025, include allegations of conspiracy to commit a criminal offence by influencing a procurement process to gain an unfair advantage in the award of a government contract.
The prosecution cites violations of Section 23(1) of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29) and Section 92(2)(b) of the Public Procurement Act, 2003 (Act 663).
According to the charge sheet, Ofori-Atta, in his role as Finance Minister, and Emmanuel Kofi Nti, in his capacity as Acting Commissioner-General of the Ghana Revenue Authority, are alleged to have used their positions to manipulate procurement procedures.
The document identifies Evans Adusei as the beneficial owner, CEO, and controlling mind of Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited, one of the companies named in the case.
