Paul Adom-Otchere and Two Others Detained in Ongoing Airport Contract Probe — Fails to Meet Bail Conditions Amid Asset Declaration Challenge

Paul Adom-Otchere and Two Others Detained in Ongoing Airport Contract Probe — Fails to Meet Bail Conditions Amid Asset Declaration Challenge

 Former Board Chairman of the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL), Paul Adom-Otchere, is currently in custody after failing to meet bail conditions set by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), following his formal charge in a widening investigation into suspected procurement breaches and corruption.

Mr. Adom-Otchere, a prominent broadcaster and public figure, was invited for questioning by the OSP on Thursday, July 31, 2025, in connection with a controversial revenue assurance contract between GACL and a private firm believed to be linked to the owner of Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Ltd (SML). The OSP is probing allegations of improper contracting procedures, particularly the alleged sole-sourcing of the deal to a company that did not receive full board approval.

Two others have also been charged:

• Otchere Kwame Baffour Awuah, Group Executive in charge of Commercial Services at GACL, and
• Albert Adjetey Adjei-Laryea, CEO of Devnest Systems.

While the two other accused individuals have met their bail conditions and been released, Mr. Adom-Otchere’s situation is more complicated. The OSP set a bail condition requiring him to present two landed properties registered in his name. But during processing, he disclosed to investigators that he does not own any landed property in Ghana, making him ineligible to meet the condition at this time. As a result, he remains in the custody of the OSP.

Sources close to the matter describe the atmosphere as tense but cooperative. Mr. Adom-Otchere, who had earlier requested more details on the investigation and a rescheduling of the interrogation, is said to be cooperating with authorities despite the setback.

This case, which involves a sensitive audit contract at the heart of Ghana’s aviation revenue system, has sparked public interest, especially given the personalities involved and the broader questions it raises about transparency in state-owned enterprises.

The OSP, led by Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng, has reiterated its commitment to ensuring due process and accountability in all public financial dealings, warning that the era of impunity is over.