Influence peddling not a criminal activity – OSP clears Adu Boahen
The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has concluded its investigation into corruption allegations against the former Minister of State at the Finance Ministry, Charles Adu Boahen.
These allegations ‘follow an exposé conducted by renowned investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas and his Tigereye PI firm, titled ‘Galamsey Economy’.
A statement from the OSP on Monday, October 30, disclosed that after a thorough investigation, the team concluded that Mr Adu Boahen was found to have engaged in influence peddling.
According to the OSP, Mr Adu Boahen’s actions did not constitute actual criminal activity that would necessitate legal action by the Special Prosecutor.
“The conduct of Mr. Adu Boahen amounts to trading in influence or influence peddling. This is the practice of using one’s influence or connections in public office or with persons in public office to obtain favors or preferential treatment for oneself or for another person, usually in return for payment. These acts have not been specifically prohibited in our jurisdiction as crimes per se.
“However, they are gravely frowned upon and punishable as crimes in some jurisdictions. This is because such acts are closely associated with corruption offenses like using public office for profit and they also form the building blocks of general corruption. Then again, since they are closely associated with corruption, they have the effect of delegitimizing democratic governance.
“Mr. Adu Boahen engaged in trading in influence or influence peddling by employing his political office and close personal ties to the President and the Vice President to obtain favors of an actual cash gift and a prospective percentage cut of the proposed investment by the supposed sheik. This is so notwithstanding the fact that the proposed investment was a prop and could not have actualized since there were, in fact, no actual investors,” the report stated.
In light of these findings, Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng has directed the closure of the investigation into the allegations of corruption and corruption-related offenses involving Charles Adu Boahen.
However, the report also notes that the investigation may be reopened if circumstances and additional facts warrant such action.
The OSP also used the opportunity to call for the passage of a Corrupt Practices Act to comprehensively codify the prohibition of all forms of corruption.
Find details of the full report below.