Every Cedi Spent Returned 20 Times Over – OSP Shuts Down Critics

Introduction

The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) in Ghana has delivered a powerful rebuttal to critics questioning its value, revealing that every cedi invested in the office has yielded returns of more than twenty times that amount. This bold claim comes amid attempts in Parliament to abolish the office, which the OSP has firmly rejected as politically motivated. In this article, we break down the OSP’s achievements, the context of the debate, and what this means for Ghana’s fight against corruption.

Key Points

Background

The Office of the Special Prosecutor was established in 2018 as an independent agency tasked with investigating and prosecuting corruption cases involving public officials. Its creation was a response to longstanding concerns about the politicization of anti-corruption efforts in Ghana. Despite its mandate, the OSP has faced persistent criticism, with some parliamentarians arguing that it is a drain on national resources and should be dissolved.

In late 2025, a Private Member’s Bill was introduced in Parliament by the Majority Leader and Chief Whip, seeking to repeal the OSP Act and return prosecutorial powers to the Attorney-General’s Office. The bill cited administrative inefficiencies as the main reason for the proposed closure. However, the bill was quickly withdrawn after a high-profile intervention by President John Dramani Mahama, who emphasized the importance of the OSP’s independence in holding the sitting government accountable.

Analysis

The OSP’s latest Half-Yearly Report for the second half of 2025 provides compelling evidence of the office’s impact. According to Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng, the OSP has saved Ghana more than twenty times the total amount of money ever released to the office since its inception. This figure is based on blocked fraudulent contracts, recovered assets, and prevented procurement breaches.

For example, in 2024 alone, the OSP’s payroll fraud investigations saved over GHS 34 million. The office is also handling high-stakes cases, including the prosecution of former National Petroleum Authority boss Mustapha Abdul-Hamid and ongoing investigations into the Airbus SE scandal and former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta.

The OSP’s achievements challenge the narrative that it is a financial burden. Instead, the data suggests that the office is a cost-effective mechanism for safeguarding public resources. The OSP’s independence is crucial, as it allows for impartial investigations into corruption, even when it involves members of the sitting government—a role the Attorney-General’s Office, as a Cabinet member, is not well-suited for.

Practical Advice

For citizens and stakeholders interested in supporting anti-corruption efforts in Ghana, consider the following steps:

1. **Stay Informed**: Follow updates from the OSP and other anti-corruption agencies to understand their work and impact.
2. **Engage in Public Discourse**: Participate in discussions about the importance of independent oversight in governance.
3. **Support Transparency Initiatives**: Advocate for policies that promote transparency and accountability in public institutions.
4. **Report Corruption**: Use official channels to report suspected cases of corruption, supporting the work of agencies like the OSP.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Office of the Special Prosecutor has firmly shut down critics by demonstrating its significant impact on Ghana’s fight against corruption. With every cedi spent returning over 20 times in savings, the OSP has proven its worth as a vital institution for safeguarding public resources. As the office continues to expand its efforts, including lifestyle audits and unexplained wealth investigations, it remains a cornerstone of Ghana’s anti-corruption strategy. Citizens and stakeholders are encouraged to support and engage with these efforts to ensure a more transparent and accountable governance system.