The High Court of Ghana (Criminal Division) in Tamale has adjourned judgment in the long-running corruption case Republic v. Sumaila Abdul Rahman & 3 Others after indicating that its ruling is not yet ready.
The court informed prosecutors from the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) and defence lawyers that the judgment, which had been scheduled for delivery, could not be delivered. The case has now been adjourned to May 29, 2026, when the court is expected to give its ruling.
With both the prosecution and defence having already closed their cases and submitted final arguments, the matter had been set for judgment, making the adjournment a significant delay in a trial that has attracted considerable public attention. The court also declined to allow any further submissions from either side.
The case, which has been before the court for nearly four years, involves four accused persons: Sumaila Abdul Rahman, former Chief Executive Officer of the Northern Development Authority; Stephen Yir-Eru Engmen; Patrick Seidu; and Andrew Kuundaari.
They are facing charges of corruption and related offences tied to procurement activities under the Infrastructure for Poverty Eradication Programme, a government initiative aimed at funding infrastructure projects across districts.
The trial stems from investigations by the OSP into alleged irregularities in the award and execution of contracts under the programme. During proceedings, the accused persons filed a submission of no case, arguing that the prosecution had failed to establish sufficient evidence. However, the trial court dismissed the application, a decision that was later upheld unanimously by the Court of Appeal, allowing the case to proceed to the defence stage.
The upcoming ruling is expected to bring closure to one of the OSP’s most closely watched corruption cases
