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The High Court in Tamale has convicted six individuals involved in a payroll corruption scandal within the Ghana Education Service (GES), following a plea bargain arrangement with the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP). The convicted individuals have refunded over GHS 106,000 to the state.
The convicts, comprising school administrators, payroll officers, and accountants, were found guilty of facilitating the fraudulent reactivation and validation of salaries for a teacher who had vacated his post. Their actions led to the wrongful disbursement of over GHS 86,000 in salaries.
A statement from the OSP, released via Facebook on May 15, 2025, confirmed that the full amount has been recovered, marking a significant victory in the fight against public sector corruption.
The OSP noted that these convictions form part of a broader investigation, with six additional criminal trials currently underway in Accra, Kumasi, and Tamale. Several other suspects are under investigation as the OSP intensifies efforts to hold corrupt public officials accountable.
The convicted individuals include:
Yakubu Tahidu – Former teacher, Balogu M/A JHS, Yendi
Abdulai Abubakari Sadic – IPPD Coordinator, GES, Yendi
Sammy Suuk – School Improvement Support Officer, Yendi North Circuit
Mohammed Yusif Jay – Headmaster, Balogu M/A JHS, Yendi
Osman Issahaku – Headmaster, Balogu M/A JHS, Yendi
Stafford Korletey Azudey-Barres – Assistant Chief Accounts Technician, CAGD, Accra
The OSP first announced the charges on February 12, 2025, following a joint investigation with the Controller and Accountant General’s Department that began in late 2023. The accused were charged with corruption by a public officer and related offenses.
Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng emphasized that the convictions underscore the government’s commitment to rooting out corruption and ensuring accountability within public institutions.
The OSP has encouraged citizens to report suspected acts of corruption to aid ongoing national efforts in protecting public resources.
