Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Emmanuel Tornyi
Published on 2024-04-04 06:28:12
Dr. Kwakye recently voiced concerns regarding the efficacy of the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) in Ghana. He highlighted the requirement for the Special Prosecutor to seek approval from the Attorney-General before initiating prosecutions as a major flaw in the OSP Act. Dr. Kwakye argued that this provision undermines the independence of the OSP and limits its ability to combat corruption effectively.
In order to strengthen the OSP and enhance its capacity to tackle corruption, Dr. Kwakye proposed revising the OSP Act to eliminate the influence of the Executive. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that the OSP operates independently from the Attorney General and the Executive in order to fulfill its mandate successfully. Dr. Kwakye noted that corruption is a significant issue in Ghana and that the OSP was established by the government to address this problem. However, the current structure of the OSP, where the Special Prosecutor is nominated by the Attorney-General and appointed by the President, compromises its independence.
Dr. Kwakye pointed out that the OSP Act is inherently flawed from the outset. The Special Prosecutor’s dependence on the Attorney-General for approval to initiate prosecutions, as well as the Executive’s control over the OSP’s funding, have rendered the office ineffective in combating corruption. With two Special Prosecutors already occupying the position, the OSP has been described as “toothless” due to its lack of autonomy.
To make the OSP more successful in the fight against corruption, Dr. Kwakye emphasized the need to amend the OSP Act and remove it entirely from the influence of the Executive. This restructuring would involve changes in the appointment process, prosecution procedures, and funding mechanisms of the OSP. By ensuring that the OSP operates independently and free from external pressures, Dr. Kwakye believes that the office can fulfill its mandate and effectively address corruption in Ghana.
In conclusion, Dr. Kwakye’s concerns about the OSP highlight the importance of ensuring the independence and autonomy of anti-corruption agencies. By revising the OSP Act and removing the influence of the Executive, Ghana can strengthen its efforts to combat corruption and promote transparency and accountability in government operations.
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