Corruption remains to be far and wide – Sam Okudzeto says OSP neglected its venture – Life Pulse Daily

Introduction

Corruption remains a persistent challenge in Ghana, despite ongoing reforms and institutional efforts to address it. Central to this debate is the critique of the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), a specialized anti-corruption body established in 2019. Sam Okudzeto, a former president of the Ghana Bar Association, has publicly questioned the OSP’s effectiveness, arguing that its failure to curb corruption undermines its very purpose. This article examines Okudzeto’s claims, evaluates the role of the OSP, and explores broader implications for Ghana’s anti-corruption strategy.

Key Points

Background

Established in April 2019 under the Office of the Special Prosecutor Act, the OSP was created to prosecute corruption cases involving high-ranking officials. However, its mandate overlaps with the Attorney-General’s Department, which includes a prosecutorial unit led by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). Critics, including Okudzeto, argue that duplicating these roles creates inefficiencies rather than targeted solutions.

Analysis

Redundancy vs. Specialization: Does the OSP Add Value?

Okudzeto’s primary criticism hinges on the redundancy of the OSP. Ghana already has a robust legal infrastructure with the DPP tasked with prosecuting all criminal offenses, including corruption. By creating a parallel body, the government risks fragmenting resources and expertise. As Okudzeto notes, “Why establish another institution to do the same job?” This raises questions about whether the OSP has achieved cost-effective results or merely added bureaucratic complexity.

The Role of Institutional Design

The OSP’s structure—centered on a single appointee—has drawn scrutiny. Unlike specialized prosecutors in other countries who address specific issues (e.g., financial crimes), the OSP lacks a clear niche. Okudzeto warns against creating institutions around individuals without institutionalizing their expertise: “It’s very dangerous when institutions depend on the individuals who establish them.” This highlights risks of politicization or inefficiency if leadership changes frequently.

Effectiveness of Anti-Corruption Measures

Okudzeto’s remarks reflect broader frustrations. Despite the OSP’s creation, corruption remains prevalent, as evidenced by persistent reports of bribery in public services. This suggests that structural reform—rather than standalone agencies—is needed to address systemic issues. For example, strengthening judicial independence or enhancing whistleblower protections could yield more sustainable results.

Practical Advice

Restructuring Legal Institutions

Instead of maintaining the OSP, Ghana could empower the Attorney-General’s Department to specialize in corruption cases. This would involve allocating additional resources to the DPP’s office and providing training in complex financial investigations. Such a move aligns with practices in countries like Kenya, where the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions handles specialized cases without requiring a separate body.

Enhancing Transparency and Accountability

Improving public access to anti-corruption efforts is critical. Establishing an independent oversight committee to monitor the OSP’s performance could ensure accountability. Additionally, public awareness campaigns could educate citizens on their rights to report corruption, reducing fear of retaliation—a common barrier in Ghana.

Addressing Political Interference

Ensuring the OSP’s independence is key. Legal safeguards, such as fixed-term appointments for the OSP’s director and protections against arbitrary removal, could prevent political interference. These measures are common in nations like South Africa, where specialized anti-corruption bodies operate with judicial oversight.

FAQ

Conclusion

Sam Okudzeto’s critique underscores a critical debate in Ghana: Can specialized agencies like the OSP effectively combat corruption without replicating existing systems? While the OSP’s intentions were commendable, its redundancy and structural flaws highlight the need for systemic reforms. By prioritizing institutional efficiency, transparency, and judicial independence, Ghana can develop a more robust anti-corruption framework. As Okudzeto advocates, the focus should shift from creating new bodies to strengthening those already in place.