The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) in Ghana has issued a critical warning regarding the nation’s ongoing battle against corruption. In a recent report, the OSP has indicated that the current efforts may falter unless substantial reforms are enacted promptly.
Kissi Agyebeng, the Special Prosecutor, highlighted the significance of adopting recommendations proposed by the Constitution Review Commission (CRC). These suggestions advocate for the establishment of an independent anti-corruption agency endowed with the exclusive powers to investigate and prosecute corruption cases.
Agyebeng stressed that the existing institutional framework is susceptible to political influence and lacks sufficient resources. He asserted that to genuinely combat corruption, it is imperative to support the CRC’s proposal for a dedicated agency that operates independently of political pressures, equipped with both investigative and prosecutorial authority separate from that of the Attorney General.
“The creation of this independent body is not merely a suggestion but a necessity for a credible and sustainable approach to tackling corruption,” the OSP stated in its report. The organization underscored that failing to implement such recommendations could lead to a diminished public trust in the institutions responsible for fighting corruption.
The CRC has recommended the formation of a new Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission, aimed at streamlining the roles of existing institutions, thereby enhancing efficiency in the fight against corruption. The current system, which overburdens the Office of the Attorney General, has been criticized for detracting from its ability to fulfill other significant legal obligations.
By consolidating the responsibilities of various anti-corruption entities, including the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) and the OSP, the proposed commission aims to foster better coordination and accountability in the nation’s anti-corruption initiatives.
