Accra: The New Patriotic Party Minority Caucus in Parliament is demanding the immediate resignation of Mr. Mahama Ayariga, the Majority Leader, and Mr. Rockson Nelson Dafeamekpor, the Majority Chief Whip, following their unsuccessful attempt to abolish the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP).
According to Ghana News Agency, the controversy centers around a Private Member's Bill sponsored by Mr. Ayariga and Mr. Dafeamekpor, which aimed to repeal Act 959 and transfer the functions of the OSP to the Attorney-General's Office. President John Dramani Mahama publicly opposed the bill, describing the OSP as 'a vital cog in the fight against corruption' and requested its withdrawal.
A statement signed by Mr. Habib Iddrisu, the First Deputy Minority Whip, criticized the President's intervention, arguing that 'The executive has no authority to dictate what happens in Parliament.' The statement further alleged that the attempt to abolish the OSP was 'retaliation against the Office's recent arrest of Martin Kpebu, a staunch OSP critic and NDC loyalist.'
The Minority Caucus contrasted the move with the New Patriotic Party's (NPP's) efforts to protect the independence of the OSP during their tenure. Despite the controversy, Mr. Ayariga announced plans to withdraw the bill, citing the President's request and expressing confidence in President Mahama's wisdom.
The bill, introduced by Mr. Ayariga and Mr. Dafeamekpor on December 4, aimed to restore full prosecutorial authority over corruption cases to the Attorney-General, citing structural and constitutional challenges, duplication of functions, and high operational costs. However, on December 11, President Mahama urged patience, emphasizing the OSP's critical role in promoting transparency and good governance.
Mr. Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the presidential spokesperson, confirmed the President's request and reaffirmed the government's commitment to strengthening institutions tasked with fighting corruption. Meanwhile, Mr. Habib, also an NPP Member of Parliament for Tolon, criticized the President's move on the Floor of Parliament, accusing the Executive of attempting to control Parliament.
The OSP is Ghana's premier anti-corruption agency, tasked with investigating and prosecuting corruption cases involving public officials and private individuals. In a related development, Mr. Yusif Sulemana, the National Democratic Congress Member of Parliament for Bole-Bamboi, supported President Mahama's request to withdraw the bill, describing it as an 'expression of opinion' rather than an attempt to control Parliament.
Mr. Sulemana, also a Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, emphasized that the bill seemed to be an emotional reaction by its sponsors. He urged lawmakers to conduct a careful review of the OSP's activities, assessing its impact and effectiveness.