Law Lecturer at the University of Ghana, Prof. Kwadwo Appiagyei-Atua has cautioned against calls for the abolition of the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), describing such demands as premature and potentially harmful to Ghana’s anti-corruption efforts.
The OSP has recently faced increased public scrutiny following the detention of private legal practitioner Martin Kpebu after a confrontation with security officials at the office’s headquarters.
Speaking to Tutuwaa Danso on Starr Today, Prof. Appiagyei-Atua insisted that the OSP remains a constitutionally accountable institution with a clear mandate to investigate and prosecute corruption-related offences.
“While I agree that Martin Kpebu’s right to freedom of expression must be protected, and I am concerned about the manner in which this particular case was handled, I strongly disagree with his call for the scrapping of the Office of the Special Prosecutor.” He stated.
According to him, the Office of the Special Prosecutor remains one of the country’s key accountability institutions. Adding that “Although it has not recorded many notable successes so far, the solution is not to abolish it, but rather to review and strengthen the legislation establishing it, so it can function more effectively.”
“The office has suffered weaknesses partly due to interference and resistance from some government officials and ministers who may feel threatened by its anti-corruption mandate. Therefore, the focus should be on empowering the institution, not dismantling it. Scrapping the Office of the Special Prosecutor is not the answer; strengthening it is essential to ensuring accountability,” he added.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh/Benjamin Sackey
