Accra: Deputy Attorney-General Justice Srem-Sai has dismissed claims that the Attorney-General's Office has repeatedly declined collaboration requests from the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), emphasizing that such cooperation is a legal obligation rather than a discretionary favor.
According to Ghana Web, the remarks came after Sammy Darko, the OSP's Director of Strategy, Research and Communications, asserted on JoyNews' Newsfile that the anti-corruption body has silently faced multiple refusals in its attempts to partner with the Attorney-General's Office. Darko alleged that the OSP had approached the office for collaboration on various matters, only to have their requests declined.
Justice Srem-Sai, speaking to JoyNews at the Supreme Court, refuted these allegations, describing them as unfounded and underscoring that no institutional friction exists between the two offices. He stated, "There has never been any tension between OSP as far as the Attorney-General is concerned."
He further clarified that the Attorney-General, Dr. Dominic Ayine, prioritizes proper investigation and prosecution of crimes while safeguarding the rights of accused persons. Justice Srem-Sai stressed the importance of fighting crime effectively and respecting legal rights, asserting that the Attorney-General's Office collaborates routinely with various agencies like the National Commission for Civic Education, the Ghana Immigration Service, and the Ghana Police Service.
Justice Srem-Sai questioned the notion of specific tension between the Attorney-General's Office and the OSP, arguing that the OSP is merely one of the several agencies established to combat crime. He dismissed the idea that formal collaboration requests from the OSP have been rejected, asserting that the need for such an approach does not arise.
Addressing whether the Attorney-General's Office is prepared to partner with the OSP when necessary, Justice Srem-Sai emphasized that readiness is not an issue, as collaboration is mandated by law. He reiterated that both institutions derive their powers from constitutional and legislative frameworks, not personal preferences.
This exchange draws attention to the ongoing public interest in the dynamics between the two offices. The OSP has faced challenges to its independence, including an unsuccessful attempt in Parliament to repeal its founding law and a court ruling regarding its prosecutorial authority, which was later upheld by the Supreme Court.
Justice Srem-Sai maintained that the Attorney-General's Office is focused on its mandate without seeking any friction. For Ghanaians observing the anti-corruption efforts, the significant test will be whether the legal framework facilitates effective teamwork on crucial cases.