A 42-year-old self-employed IT engineer who had been declared wanted by Ghana’s Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has voluntarily returned to the country and surrendered to authorities, ending a brief period as a fugitive from justice.
Raphael Mensah, also known by the alias Odoi, appeared before the OSP on Tuesday following his return from abroad. He was subsequently arraigned before court where he was granted bail under strict conditions that reflect the seriousness of the corruption-related charges he faces.
The OSP had issued a public wanted notice for Mensah after a competent court issued an arrest warrant on July 8, 2025.
The charges stem from allegations that he aided and abetted the improper use of a public office for personal gain, violations that fall under Sections 20(2) and 179C(a) of Ghana’s Criminal Offences Act, 1960.
The wanted notice had described Mensah as a key figure in the corruption investigation, prompting the OSP to appeal to the public for information about his whereabouts. The office had provided contact numbers for anyone with information about the IT engineer’s location.
Following his surrender, Mensah was immediately processed by the OSP before being taken to court for arraignment.
The presiding judge granted him bail, but with stringent conditions that demonstrate the court’s concern about flight risk.
The bail was set at GH¢100,000 with two sureties, and he was ordered to deposit his passport and report to the OSP every two weeks.
These conditions effectively restrict his movement and ensure continued cooperation with ongoing investigations.
The passport surrender requirement particularly underscores the court’s determination to prevent any further attempts to leave the country while the case is pending.
The bi-weekly reporting requirement to the OSP will allow prosecutors to monitor his compliance and availability for further proceedings.
Mensah’s voluntary return and surrender represents a significant development in the OSP’s anti-corruption efforts.
It demonstrates both the effectiveness of the wanted notice system and the increasing pressure on individuals to face justice rather than remain fugitives.
The case also highlights the OSP’s commitment to pursuing corruption cases regardless of whether suspects initially attempt to evade justice by leaving the country.
The office’s public appeals and systematic approach to locating wanted individuals appears to be yielding results.
While Mensah has now been brought before the courts, the investigation into the alleged corruption continues. The OSP will likely use the coming weeks to gather additional evidence and prepare for what could be a significant prosecution.
The specific details of how Mensah allegedly aided the improper use of public office have not been fully disclosed, but the charges suggest involvement in a scheme that benefited private interests at the expense of public resources.
His case adds to the growing list of corruption prosecutions being pursued by the OSP as part of Ghana’s broader efforts to combat financial crimes and restore public trust in government institutions.
The matter has been adjourned pending further investigations, with Mensah required to comply with his bail conditions while the case develops.
Story Written By Prince Asante Kwarteng | Kobby Kyei News
