The Majority Leader of Ghana’s Parliament, Hon. Mahama Ayariga, has advocated for the dissolution of the Office of the Special Prosecutor.
He claims the office has demonstrated incompetence in the fight against corruption.
Speaking in Parliament, Hon. Ayariga posited that the office’s failure to prosecute high-profile corruption cases is a clear indication of its ineffectiveness and that the institution of the Attorney General, if adequately resourced and protected, can achieve the same results.
He questioned why the office receives more resources than the Attorney General and suggested that abolishing the office would not exempt those who have violated the law from accountability.
Hon. Ayariga also referenced the former Speaker of Parliament, Michael Oquaye, as having recommended the abolition of the office and urged Parliament to reconsider its decision to establish the office.
”The question is, are we going to allow institutions to be set up and fail? I think it’s high time we held ourselves accountable,” Hon. Ayariga said.
Meanwhile, the Member of Parliament for Damongo, Hon. Samuel Abdulai Jinapor, has urged the NDC government to use its supermajority in Parliament to repeal the Office of the Special Prosecutor if they deem it unnecessary.
He stated that the Majority Leader, Hon. Mahama Ayariga, had previously opposed the establishment of the office and questioned why the ruling party has not taken steps to repeal the law establishing it.
”If you believe the office of special prosecutor is not fit for purpose, you have the majority… Repeal it. What are you waiting for?” Hon. Jinapor asked, emphasising that Ghana is “sick and tired of talk” and needs action.
