A member of the Legal team of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Owiredu has described as “hypocritical” and “premature” the announcement by the Deputy Attorney-General, Justice Srem-Sai of the office’s intention to take over the cases being handled by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP).
Speaking on GHOne TV’s GHToday on Monday, April 20, 2026, Owiredu argued that while the recent High Court decision favoring the Attorney-General (AG) is legally valid, the government’s rush to implement it ignores the reality of judicial finality.
“Judicial finality rests with the Supreme Court. That’s where everything ends. Why the rush in going about media postings and taking over cases when you know very well that the finality will be with the Supreme Court ?, he queried?”
The High Court last week ruled that the OSP does not have the independent authority to prosecute criminal cases, directing that all matters initiated by the anti-corruption body be referred to the Attorney-General’s Department.
The Presiding judge, Justice John Eugene Nyadu Nyante, relying on relying on Article 88 of the 1992 Constitution held that although the OSP is empowered to investigate corruption-related offences, it lacks the constitutional mandate to independently initiate prosecutions.
Deputy Attorney-General, Justice Srem-Sai, has, after the ruling, signalled the Attorney-General’s readiness to take over the cases of the OSP.
But Lawyer Owiredu argued that the current High Court judgment is an “interim” victory in the broader legal context, noting that as lawyers, the AG’s office should respect the full hierarchy of the proceedings.
The NPP Legal Team member warned of the potential for administrative and legal chaos if the Supreme Court or the Court of Appeal eventually overturns the High Court’s mandate.
He also questioned the logic of dismantling the OSP’s current progress before a definitive ruling is reached.
”If you rush now, take over the cases of the OSP… and the decision of the Supreme Court comes, and maybe it’s faulted or overturned. What would you have done to all of us?” Bediako asked.
The legal practitioner therefore warned the government to be careful as the political optics of the situation may not favour it.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
