Editorial: Protect The OSP: A Critical Tool In The Fight Against Corruption

Last week, the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) once again dominated national discourse following the arrest of private legal practitioner, Martin Kpebu, for alleged misconduct on the premises of the Office. The incident ignited vigorous debate across the country and quickly became a focal point for political commentary.

By Thursday 4 November, 2025 as Ghanaians were preparing to mark Farmers’ Day, an unexpected storm erupted in Parliament. Several Members of Parliament (MPs) openly questioned the relevance, performance and constitutional grounding of the OSP.

Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, who is also a senior lawyer, wondered aloud whether it remained prudent to continue allocating state resources to an institution he believes has fallen short of expectations. In his view, the OSP is one of the agencies Parliament must critically re-evaluate.

The Majority Chief Whip and MP for South Dayi, Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor went even further. He cautioned that if the OSP “continues to abuse its powers,” Parliament may be compelled to dissolve it. He cited what he described as repeated instances where MPs invited the Special Prosecutor for engagement without receiving cooperation.

This assertion drew a swift rebuttal from the MP for Ofoase Ayirebi, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, who countered that legislators sometimes only raise alarm when the OSP’s investigations affect political allies.

He recalled earlier concerns raised by the Minority Leader, Osahen Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin, regarding state investigative bodies potentially weaponising their mandates.

Bawku Central MP Mahama Ayariga also questioned the tangible achievements of the OSP over its nearly eight-year existence, arguing that without genuine political will, the mere proliferation of anti-corruption bodies will not solve the problem.

We at The Chronicle acknowledge the importance of these divergent views. Parliamentary oversight is a constitutional mandate and robust debate is a hallmark of a healthy democracy. Nonetheless, we respectfully disagree with calls for the abolition of the OSP.

For decades, Ghana has relied on institutions such as the Attorney-General’s Department, the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) and the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), formerly the Serious Fraud Office. Yet corruption has remained pervasive.

The establishment of the OSP under Act 959 was, therefore, a deliberate attempt to create an independent, specialised institution empowered to investigate and prosecute corruption, particularly political corruption.

Since its inception, the OSP has contributed meaningfully to the fight against graft. Its risk assessment of the Agyapa Minerals Royalty deal, interventions at the Tema Oil Refinery and the increasing reliance on plea bargaining to recover stolen funds all demonstrate a willingness to confront entrenched wrongdoing.

Its ongoing investigations into fuel diversion schemes, the SML contract matter and other high-profile cases further indicate that the Office is prepared to challenge the status quo. These efforts are especially important considering the scale of the problem.

According to the President of the Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC), Beauty Narteh, Ghana loses approximately US$3 billion every year to corruption, depriving the nation of critical resources needed for development. Against this backdrop, it is deeply troubling that the budget allocated to such a critical office has been slashed by 50%. Undermining the OSP at a time when corruption is draining the nation is not only counterproductive but dangerous to Ghana’s governance future.

The Chronicle would, therefore, like to urge President John Dramani Mahama that equipping the OSP to work effectively will significantly shape what could become a defining aspect of his final presidential legacy. Strengthening anti-corruption accountability is not only good governance it is nation-building.

Rather than antagonise the OSP, Parliament and the Executive must rally behind it. Ghana’s fight against corruption demands stronger institutions, not weaker ones. Dismantling the OSP would send the wrong signal: that the nation lacks the resolve to confront the political corruption that has long hindered our development.

The Chronicle firmly believes that supporting and strengthening the OSP is the way forward. Let us give this institution the resources and political backing it needs to protect the national purse and restore public confidence in governance.

 

 

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