Senior officials from the US Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) met with the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) in Ghana on Tuesday to discuss ways to collaborate on corruption cases.
The meeting was led by Arun Rao, Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the Justice Department’s Civil Division, and included special agents from the FBI. The OSP was represented by Sammy Darko, Director of Strategy, Research & Communications, and Dr. Isidore Tufuor, Director of Prosecutions.
The discussions centered on fostering collaboration between the two law enforcement agencies, coordinating parallel investigations, and providing training assistance to the OSP. In addition, officials from the DOJ and FBI shared valuable insights and experiences related to the investigation and prosecution of cases involving fraud and public corruption.
“This meeting was an important step in strengthening the relationship between the DOJ/FBI and the OSP,” said Rao. “We are committed to working together to combat corruption in Ghana and to bring those who break the law to justice.”
Darko said that the OSP was grateful for the support of the DOJ/FBI and that the meeting had been “fruitful”. He said that the OSP would continue to work closely with the DOJ/FBI to investigate and prosecute corruption cases.
The meeting comes at a time when Ghana is facing a growing problem with corruption. A recent survey found that 70% of Ghanaians believe that corruption is widespread in the country. The OSP was established in 2018 to investigate and prosecute high-level corruption cases.
The meeting between the DOJ/FBI and the OSP is a positive development that could help to strengthen the fight against corruption in Ghana. The two law enforcement agencies have a wealth of experience in investigating and prosecuting corruption cases, and they can share this expertise with the OSP. The meeting also sends a message to corrupt officials that they will be held accountable for their crimes.
The DOJ/FBI and the OSP have agreed to continue their discussions and to work together to investigate and prosecute corruption cases in Ghana. This is a positive development that could help to make Ghana a more transparent and accountable country.