Senyo Hosi warns parliament in opposition to any transfer to scrap OSP – Life Pulse Daily

Introduction: The Debate Over Ghana’s Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP)

Ghana’s anti-corruption landscape faces renewed scrutiny as Senyo Hosi, convenor of the One Ghana Movement, fiercely opposes proposals to abolish the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP). His impassioned warnings to Parliament highlight the tension between institutional reform and the risk of eroding democratic safeguards. This article dissects the political and legal ramifications of scrapping the OSP, evaluates arguments from lawmakers, and explores pathways for strengthening accountability without dismantling the office.

Analysis: Why the OSP Sparks National Debate

The OSP’s Role in Ghana’s Anti-Corruption Framework

Established in 2018 under Ghana’s Constitution (Article 294), the OSP is tasked with investigating high-level corruption cases, including those involving public officials. Unlike traditional prosecutors, the Special Prosecutor operates independently, shielding investigations from political interference. Critics argue inefficiencies under current leadership, Kissi Agyebeng, justify reforms, but Hosi counters that scrapping the office would strip Ghana of a dedicated anti-corruption mechanism.

Mahama Ayariga’s Proposal to Dissolve the OSP

On December 4, 2025, Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga proposed merging the OSP’s functions back into the Attorney-General’s Office, citing lack of visible progress despite significant funding. He questioned the validity of continued public investment in an institution perceived as ineffective. However, Hosi and anti-corruption advocates warn this move risks politicizing prosecutorial decisions, undermining Ghana’s democratic accountability.

Martin Kpebu’s Legal Challenge Against Agyebeng

Adding complexity to the debate, private lawyer Martin Kpebu has petitioned President John Mahama to remove Kissi Agyebeng, accusing him of misconduct. While Agyebeng’s tenure faces scrutiny, Hosi insists the issue lies with leadership—not the OSP’s structural value.

Summary: Key Arguments For and Against OSP Abolition

This section synthesizes the core arguments shaping the national discourse around the OSP:

• Pro-Abrogation: Inefficiency under Kissi Agyebeng; duplication of roles with the Attorney-General’s Office.
• Pro-OSP: Institutional independence prevents political manipulation; vital for investigating elite corruption.

Key Points: What Stakeholders Must Consider

1. Institutional Independence vs. Government Accountability

Hosi emphasizes separating institutional policy from poor individual performance. The OSP’s mandate to prosecute powerful individuals relies on its autonomy—a principle enshrined in Ghana’s constitutional framework.

2. Financial and Operational Realities

With over ₵1 billion allocated since 2020, critics demand transparency in the OSP’s expenditures. Hosi, however, argues that sustained funding legitimizes the office’s long-term goals, even amid short-term setbacks.

3. Political Consensus as a Precursor to Reform

Hosi’s warning that politicians must not “ride on Martin Kpebu” underscores the need for bipartisan dialogue. Abolishing the OSP without consensus risks public backlash, citing historical resistance to abrupt institutional changes.

Practical Advice: Navigating the OSP Reform Debate

For Parliamentarians:

1. Conduct Impact Assessments: Evaluate alternatives to the OSP without compromising anti-corruption mandates.
2. Engage Experts: Invite anti-corruption scholars to review the OSP’s operational gaps.

For Civil Society:

1. Monitor Budget Allocations: Advocate for public audits of the OSP’s spending.
2. Amplify Public Awareness: Educate citizens on the democratic safeguards embedded in the OSP’s design.

Points of Caution: Risks of Scrapping the OSP

Hosi’s stern warning against dismantling the OSP isn’t mere rhetoric. Experts highlight three critical risks:

1. Erosion of Democratic Accountability: Merging investigative powers into the executive branch could enable self-serving prosecutions.
2. Setting a Precedent: Scrapping the OSP may embolden corruption by weakening checks on power.
3. Public Disengagement: Loss of a high-profile anti-corruption office could disillusion citizens in fighting graft.

Comparison: Ghana’s OSP vs. Similar Bodies Globally

While the OSP mirrors structures like Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), differences emerge in mandates and independence. Unlike Nigeria’s politically charged EFCC, the OSP’s constitutional insulation provides stronger protections—a factor Hosi emphasizes as non-negotiable.

Legal Implications: Constitutionality of OSP Abolition

Article 294 of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution explicitly mandates the creation of the OSP. Legal scholars argue that dissolving it without constitutional amendment would require a parliamentary supermajority—a process politically fraught. Hosi’s stance aligns with constitutional purists, warning of potential court challenges if abolition proceeds unilaterally.

Conclusion: Balancing Reforms and Democratic Integrity

The OSP debate encapsulates Ghana’s broader struggle to balance political pragmatism with institutional integrity. While reforms to enhance efficiency are warranted, Hosi’s call to preserve the office underscores its role as a democratic safeguard. Dialogue, transparency, and public engagement remain critical as stakeholders navigate this contentious issue.

FAQ: Addressing Common Questions

1. Why is the OSP important for Ghana’s democracy?

The OSP investigates cases involving high-level officials, ensuring elites are not above the law. Its independence prevents political interference, a cornerstone of democratic governance.

2. Can the OSP be dissolved without a constitutional amendment?

Yes, but only if Parliament passes legislation repealing Article 294. However, courts may intervene to protect constitutional mandates.

3. What alternatives exist to reform the OSP instead of scrapping it?

Options include stricter oversight, performance benchmarks, and constitutional review to address operational weaknesses.