Securing the fight against corruption: Experts call for enhanced protection for Ghana’s Special Prosecutor
Their concerns follow his recent speech at the Constitution Day Lecture in Accra, where he revealed the high personal risks that come with his role.
Some experts on Ghana’s political landscape are advocating for stronger security measures to safeguard Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng and his team as they tackle corruption.
Their concerns follow his recent speech at the Constitution Day Lecture in Accra, where he revealed the high personal risks that come with his role.
These revelations have reignited discussions about the challenges facing the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP). Speaking on Newsfile on Joy News, Mr. Kofi Bentil, Senior Vice President of IMANI Africa, stressed the urgent need to strengthen support for the OSP, citing the dangers associated with its anti-corruption mandate.
He also championed the independence of the OSP, arguing that the office, rather than the Attorney General’s Department, should handle all prosecutions to reduce political interference. “I strongly believe that all prosecutions should be handled by the OSP instead of the Attorney General, which is a political office. This way, a change in government wouldn’t derail corruption cases,” he said.
Adding to the discussion, Dr. Thomas Anaba, Member of Parliament for Garu and former Medical Director at Ridge Hospital, criticized the government’s lack of genuine commitment to fighting corruption.
He lamented that despite Ghana losing billions of dollars annually to corruption, the OSP operates with limited resources, making it difficult to take on politically connected individuals.
Dr. Tiah Abdul-Kabiru Mahama, Member of Parliament for Walewale, acknowledged the systemic challenges that limit the OSP’s effectiveness within Ghana’s democratic framework.
Dr. Mahama further stressed that any threats against the Special Prosecutor should be viewed as threats to Ghana’s governance and political stability, urging collective action to strengthen the OSP’s mission.
As discussions continue, experts agree on three key priorities: stronger legal frameworks, enhanced security for the Special Prosecutor, and sustained public engagement in the fight against corruption.
