Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Evans Effah
Published on 2024-04-04 10:37:04
The Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) has expressed concerns about the effectiveness of the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) in combating corruption in Ghana. Despite having two Special Prosecutors in place, Dr. John Kwakye, the Director of Research at the IEA, highlighted several limitations during a press briefing on April 3, 2024.
One major issue raised by Dr. Kwakye is the requirement for the Special Prosecutor to seek approval from the Attorney-General before initiating prosecutions. This restriction, as outlined in the OSP Act, undermines the independence and efficacy of the OSP in addressing corruption cases. Dr. Kwakye criticized President Akufo-Addo for not addressing corruption in his recent State of the Nation Address (SONA) and emphasized the importance of amending the OSP Act to ensure independence from executive influence.
The IEA’s critique comes at a time when Ghana is facing escalating levels of corruption, with a ranking of 88th out of 180 countries in Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index 2023. The failure to prioritize anti-corruption measures in the SONA reflects a growing concern about the government’s commitment to combating corruption effectively.
There is a growing consensus among civil society organizations and the public about the need to strengthen anti-corruption measures in Ghana. The IEA’s call for the independence of the OSP from executive influence is not new, as similar recommendations were made in December 2023 to amend the relevant laws governing the OSP.
The IEA’s criticism underscores the urgency of enhancing Ghana’s anti-corruption framework, not just as a domestic issue but also as a global concern. As a member of the international community, Ghana’s ability to combat corruption effectively is crucial for its reputation and standing among other nations.
In conclusion, the IEA’s concerns about the limitations of the OSP and the government’s response to corruption highlight the need for meaningful reforms to strengthen anti-corruption efforts in Ghana. Addressing systemic flaws and ensuring the independence of institutions like the OSP are essential steps in creating a more transparent and accountable governance system that can effectively combat corruption.
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