OSP detains Paul Adom-Otchere over GACL contract controversy

The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has detained former Board Chairman of the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL), Paul Adom-Otchere, after formally charging him in connection with a controversial revenue assurance contract.

Mr. Adom-Otchere remains in custody after failing to meet bail conditions set by the OSP, which required him to provide two landed properties registered in his name.

The former board chair reportedly told investigators he does not own any landed property in Ghana, making it impossible for him to satisfy the bail requirements.

He is being charged alongside Otchere Kwame Baffour Awuah, Group Executive for Commercial Services at GACL, and Albert Adjetey Adjei-Laryea, CEO of Devnest Systems.

The three are being investigated over a revenue assurance deal between GACL and a private company reportedly linked to the proprietor of Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Ltd (SML).

The OSP is probing potential procurement irregularities, particularly the sole-sourcing of the firm without board approval.

Investigators are also examining whether proper processes were followed in the award and execution of the contract.

Mr. Adom-Otchere was first summoned for questioning on Thursday, July 31, after being named as a suspect in a letter dated July 25, 2025.

Speaking to an Accra-based radio station ahead of his appearance, Mr. Adom-Otchere described the investigation as politically motivated.

"I describe this as a witch-hunt,” he said, denying any involvement in the contract’s execution.

"The contract in question was signed by the Managing Director of Ghana Airports Company. I wasn’t even aware it had been executed.”

He further questioned the OSP’s focus on him, arguing that operational decisions were the responsibility of GACL’s management.

Meanwhile, the OSP has indicated that further details surrounding the charges and potential court proceedings will be announced in due course.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith