The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has intensified its probe into the Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF) gold trade programme, conducting high-profile searches in Accra that have already led to the seizure of luxury assets.
The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) on Wednesday carried out court-sanctioned searches at two key locations in Accra as part of its ongoing investigation into alleged corruption linked to the Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF) gold trade programme.
The searches targeted the Trassaco residence of businessman Nana Yaw Duodu, popularly known as Dr. Sledge, and the East Legon offices of Goldridge Company Limited. Both operations were executed under warrants issued by the High Court in Accra.
According to the OSP, Nana Yaw Duodu is under investigation for suspected corruption and corruption-related offences tied to the MIIF gold trade programme. Preliminary findings suggest that the scheme may have caused the State a loss of approximately US$94 million, raising serious concerns about the management of public resources in the extractive sector.
The OSP’s Asset Recovery and Management Team seized a range of items believed to be connected to the investigation. These included:
- Luxury vehicles
- High-value jewellery
- Weapons
- Documents relating to landed properties
The seized assets are expected to undergo further scrutiny as investigators build their case.
The MIIF gold trade programme was designed to leverage Ghana’s mineral resources for national development. However, the alleged financial losses have sparked debate over accountability and transparency in the management of state-backed investment schemes.
The OSP’s actions signal a renewed determination to clamp down on corruption in Ghana’s natural resource sector, which has long been plagued by allegations of mismanagement and illicit profiteering.
While the OSP has not yet filed formal charges, the searches and seizures mark a significant escalation in the case. Legal analysts suggest that the evidence gathered could form the basis for prosecutions in the coming months, depending on the outcome of ongoing investigations.
The development has already drawn public attention, with calls for the government to ensure that those found culpable are held accountable and that measures are put in place to prevent similar financial losses in the future.
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