Accra: President John Dramani Mahama has stated that it is premature to call for the closure of the Office of Special Prosecutor (OSP). This assertion comes amid recent demands from leading political figures of both the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) to abolish the OSP, citing conflicts with the office of the Attorney-General.
According to Ghana News Agency, President Mahama expressed his views during a courtesy call by the members of the National House of Chiefs, led by its Chairman Reverend Emmanuel Kofi Fianu. The delegation visited the Presidency to discuss various challenges with the President and seek solutions.
The President emphasized the Government's commitment to fighting corruption, highlighting efforts to resource the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) and other anti-corruption bodies, including the OSP. He remarked, "recently there's been some controversy with the Office of the Special Prosecutor. I think it's premature to call for the closure of that office."
President Mahama pointed out the distinctiveness of the OSP, noting that it is the only anti-corruption agency with the authority to prosecute independently without the Attorney General's involvement. He acknowledged the public's distrust of the Attorney-General, who is typically a government member and might hesitate to prosecute allies. An independent office like the OSP, he argued, ensures impartiality regardless of political affiliation.
Emphasizing the OSP's prosecutorial powers and security of tenure, President Mahama stated that the office could prosecute individuals involved in misappropriating public funds, whether they are current or former government members. He urged Ghanaians to allow the OSP time to demonstrate its effectiveness, acknowledging the public's desire for more prosecutions and tangible results.
President Mahama called on the OSP to expedite investigations and prove its continued relevance and importance in the country's fight against corruption.