Government has reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying the fight against corruption following a High Court ruling that stripped the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) of its prosecutorial powers. A decision that has sparked debate over the future of independent anti-graft efforts in the country.
The OSP has filed a stay of execution and a notice of appeal against the ruling, which directs the Attorney-General to take over prosecutions initiated by the office.
The application for a stay of execution is expected to be heard on May 21 by the General Jurisdiction Division of the High Court.
Speaking to Tutuwaa Danso on Starr Today, Deputy Director of Operations at the Presidency, Mustapha Foyo Gbande stated that government actions are grounded in due process and the rule of law.
“Government’s actions are grounded in due process and the rule of law. If somebody has committed a wrong, that person must be properly investigated and prosecuted with evidence, you cannot go to court and lose,” he stated.
He stressed the need to strengthen institutions responsible for prosecution.
“It also means that proper investigations must be conducted, and our prosecutorial institutions must be reset to ensure efficiency and accountability,” he added.
Mr. Gbande maintained that the administration remains committed to empowering the Office of the Special Prosecutor while ensuring it operates within the law.
According to him, since assuming office, “the administration has demonstrated a strong commitment to reinforcing the OSP while also holding it accountable to deliver on its mandate in the fight against corruption. He maintained that the OSP remains a vital institution that must play a central role in tackling corruption.”
He described the OSP as a critical institution in Ghana’s anti-corruption architecture.
“The OSP continues to be a relevant institution… one that must play a central role in the fight against corruption,” he noted.
However, he stated that the exercise of prosecutorial authority must comply with the Constitution.
“Under Article 88, it is only the Attorney-General who is vested with prosecutorial powers. If that authority is to be delegated, proper procedures must be followed, including obtaining the necessary warrant,” he explained.
Mr. Gbande dismissed suggestions that the court ruling undermines the OSP.
“I do not see how this amounts to a miscarriage of justice or an attack on the Office of the Special Prosecutor,” he argued.
He also took a swipe at critics, particularly from the opposition.
“It is surprising that these concerns are coming from the very people who established the OSP. We all recall that the first Special Prosecutor resigned, citing interference and resistance in his work,” he said.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh / Benjamin Sackey
