Ghana Must Stop Sabotaging the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP): Insights from Afanyi Dadzie

Introduction

The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) in Ghana stands as a pivotal institution in the nation’s battle against corruption. Established to investigate and prosecute high-level corruption cases with independence, the OSP Ghana has faced relentless criticism and sabotage since its inception. In a compelling opinion piece, Ghanaian commentator Afanyi Dadzie argues that Ghana must halt these undermining efforts to allow the OSP to fulfill its mandate effectively. This article breaks down Dadzie’s key arguments, highlights the OSP’s verifiable achievements, and explains why supporting this young anti-corruption body is essential for Ghana’s future. Keywords like OSP Ghana sabotage, Ghana anti-corruption efforts, and Special Prosecutor Ghana achievements underscore the urgency of constructive support over destructive opposition.

Analysis

The OSP Ghana was created under the Office of the Special Prosecutor Act, 2017 (Act 959), signed into law by former President Nana Akufo-Addo in 2018. From day one, it encountered skepticism. Critics labeled it a redundant entity duplicating the Attorney General’s powers or a mere political tool for anti-corruption optics. Even before operations began, opponents viewed it as an unnecessary burden on public funds.

Early Challenges and Leadership Hurdles

The first Special Prosecutor, Martin Amidu, renowned for his integrity, faced intense scrutiny and harassment, leading to his resignation under controversial circumstances. High-profile figures, including Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin, dismissed the OSP as an “act in futility” and “needless,” despite Parliament’s role in passing the enabling legislation. This public scorn from leaders set a tone of hostility, emboldening private doubts among politicians across parties.

Political Discomfort with Independence

Neither major political party favors the OSP’s cross-partisan mandate, which allows it to pursue corruption irrespective of political affiliation. This relative independence—protected by law through fixed tenure, removal safeguards, and funding autonomy—makes politicians uneasy. Recent coordinated efforts to discredit the office aim to sway public opinion, often fueled by partisanship rather than facts. Afanyi Dadzie admits initial personal doubts but shifted to support upon witnessing operational realities, emphasizing that young institutions deserve patience.

Distinguishing Constructive from Destructive Criticism

While constructive feedback aids growth, the current wave appears aimed at dismantling the OSP. Dadzie warns this mirrors the hounding of Amidu and now targets current Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng, appointed in 2021. Such sabotage risks rendering the OSP dormant, as seen post-Amidu.

Summary

Afanyi Dadzie’s piece summarizes the OSP Ghana’s uphill battle: born amid doubt in 2018, operational delays due to staffing shortages and regulatory hurdles, yet achieving tangible results under Agyebeng. Despite only 7-8 effective years, it has secured convictions, recovered assets, prevented losses, and driven reforms. Dadzie urges Ghanaians to grant the OSP the same grace afforded to older institutions, rejecting sabotage in favor of nurturing this anti-corruption pillar.

Key Points

Practical Advice

To bolster the OSP Ghana and enhance Ghana anti-corruption efforts, citizens and leaders can take these actionable steps:

Promote Informed Public Discourse

Share factual OSP achievements via social media and community forums. Educate others on its legal mandate under Act 959, distinguishing it from the Attorney General’s office through specialized focus on politically exposed persons and unexplained wealth.

Engage in Constructive Oversight

Submit evidence-based complaints to the OSP and monitor its annual reports. Support parliamentary committees overseeing its budget without undermining independence.

Advocate for Resources

Petition for timely funding and staffing. Encourage whistleblower protections to amplify case inflows.

Demand Accountability Across Institutions

Apply equal scrutiny to all anti-corruption bodies, fostering a culture of patience for emerging ones like the OSP.

Points of Caution

Sabotaging the OSP poses severe risks to Ghana’s governance:

• Institutional Collapse: Continued attacks could force leadership resignations, leading to dormancy as post-Amidu.
• Public Mistrust: Partisan bashing erodes faith in anti-corruption systems, perpetuating impunity.
• Economic Losses: Without OSP interventions, scandals like SML or Agyapa could drain billions unchecked.
• International Repercussions: Weakened OSP hampers partnerships with FBI and Interpol, stalling global anti-corruption aid.

Patience is key—institutions evolve through infancy to maturity, not instant perfection.

Comparison

To contextualize expectations, compare the OSP’s age and maturity to established Ghanaian institutions:

Older bodies receive leeway for imperfections; the OSP, still in infancy, merits similar support despite early hurdles like staffing voids and delayed regulations.

Legal Implications

The OSP’s framework under Act 959 grants it unique powers: investigating corruption involving public officers, politically exposed persons, and foreign elements; seizing unexplained assets; and prosecuting without Attorney General interference. Sabotage via public disparagement or funding cuts could violate constitutional anti-corruption duties (Article 35(8)) and institutional independence principles. Courts have upheld OSP actions, as in ongoing trials. Undermining it risks legal challenges for contempt or breaches of public trust, emphasizing the need for lawful support.

Conclusion

Ghana’s fight against corruption demands a robust OSP Ghana, free from sabotage. Afanyi Dadzie’s plea resonates: cease destructive criticism, extend grace to this nascent institution, and celebrate its wins like asset recoveries and reforms. By nurturing the OSP, Ghanaians invest in transparent governance and economic integrity. For Mother Ghana’s sake, let’s allow the Office of the Special Prosecutor to mature and thrive.

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