The Member of Parliament for the Abirem Constituency, Hon. Charles Asuako Owiredu, has asserted that there is a well-calculated attempt by the ruling government to abolish the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP).
He argued that the OSP was established as an independent body to facilitate the prosecution of corrupt politicians and officials, regardless of their status or affiliations.
The lawmaker noted that the OSP was the creation of former President Akufo-Addo, intended to serve as an independent entity capable of handling corruption cases involving officials, particularly while their own government remained in power.
He observed that, historically, successive attorneys-general and ministers of justice had failed to prosecute members of their own administrations.
To address this persistent challenge, the previous government established the OSP as the gold standard and flagship specialised independent anti-corruption institution in Ghana, in accordance with the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC).
He explained that the OSP’s primary objective is to investigate and prosecute specific cases of alleged or suspected corruption and related offences within both the public and private sectors.
Furthermore, it is tasked with recovering the proceeds of such acts by disgorging illicit and unexplained wealth, while simultaneously taking proactive steps to prevent corruption.
Despite these mandates, he maintains there is a well-orchestrated attempt by the current government to scrap the office entirely.
The MP further noted that the OSP was designed to ensure the appointment of a non-politically tainted individual to serve as an independent prosecutor.
He recalled that former President Akufo-Addo appointed Martin Amidu, who was not a member of the NPP, despite concerns raised by some within the party.
This was followed by the appointment of Kissi Agyebeng, whom he also identified as a non-politician. While acknowledging that Mr Agyebeng faced initial funding challenges, the lawmaker noted that these issues had been addressed.
He expressed concern that while in opposition, President John Dramani Mahama promised to protect the OSP, yet he has since shifted his position after winning power.
To Hon. Owiredu, it is particularly shocking that the individual challenging the constitutionality of the OSP in court is a lawyer associated with the law firm of the Deputy Attorney-General, Justice Srem Sai.
He lamented that instead of the attorney-general defending the OSP, the office has instead strengthened and supported the lawyer’s case.
“So it is clear that they want to scrap the OSP,” the lawmaker stated. “If that is what they want to do, they should continue. After all, they now have the power to do so. If they think this is what is best for them, they should continue. But they should remember that while they go on with the attempt to scrap the OSP, corruption will continue to thrive,” he said on As it is in Ghana, a political programme on Rainbow Radio 92.4 FM, UK.
The MP also criticised the Attorney General for failing to provide the Ghanaian public with an update regarding two NDC officials accused of engaging in illegal mining, popularly known as ‘galamsey’.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana