The Office of Special Prosecutor (OSP) in Ghana has been called into question by former President of the Ghana Bar Association, Sam Okudzeto. He argues that the OSP has failed to address the pervasive issue of corruption in the country, despite its establishment for this very purpose. Okudzeto highlights the persistence of corruption across various institutions, suggesting that the OSP's impact has been negligible.
In an interview on JoyNews' PM Express, Okudzeto questioned the OSP's effectiveness, stating, 'Why was the institution set up? Has it achieved its purpose?' He emphasizes that corruption remains a daily reality, with individuals demanding money for services already paid for. This, he argues, indicates a deeper systemic issue.
Okudzeto also addresses the duplication of roles between the OSP and the Attorney-General's Department. He points out that the Attorney-General's Department already has the mandate to prosecute all crimes, including corruption. This leads him to suggest that the core problem lies in the creation of an additional institution, which he believes is unnecessary.
The former president of the Ghana Bar Association suggests that the OSP's approach is flawed, as special prosecutors in other countries are appointed to tackle specific, one-off problems. He uses examples of prominent legal figures who held positions like Director of Public Prosecution, indicating that such roles are not typically associated with the creation of new institutions.
Okudzeto advocates for strengthening the Attorney-General's office instead of scrapping the OSP. He expresses concern about the risks of building institutions around untested individuals, emphasizing the importance of proper training and preparation for such roles.
The interview concludes with a disclaimer, noting that the views expressed by readers and contributors do not necessarily represent the policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
