Nana Akomea, veteran New Patriotic Party (NPP) stalwart and former State Transport Corporation boss, has raised concerns over a private members’ bill submitted by National Democratic Congress (NDC) lawmakers seeking to abolish Ghana’s Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP).
The bill, sponsored by Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga and Chief Whip Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, proposes repealing the OSP Act and dissolving the independent anti-corruption body, even as President John Mahama said it is “premature to call for the scrapping of the Office of the Special Prosecutor.”
Disconnect
In a Facebook post, Akomea questioned the apparent disconnect between the NDC lawmakers’ move and the President’s Cabinet, asking: “Is the Ndc not talking to themselves? Is Cabinet not aware of this momentous bill? Is Cabinet not chaired by President Mahama?
“Does Hon Ayariga not sit in Cabinet? Is there a scam somewhere being prepared?” he further questioned.
Background
The OSP, established in 2017, was created to prosecute corruption cases independently of political influence.
Critics have repeatedly questioned its effectiveness and the justification for its budget, while supporters insist its independence remains crucial for Ghana’s anti-graft framework.
The bill has yet to be formally presented to Parliament, but it has reignited debate over the office’s role, mandate, and performance amid Ghana’s ongoing fight against corruption.
“Political agenda”
In a statement on Saturday, Gomoa Central MP Kwame Asare Obeng, also known “A-Plus” said claims that President John Dramani Mahama intends to dismantle the OSP are part of a “political agenda” aimed at framing the new administration as soft on corruption.
“It won’t happen,” he said, adding that the government seeks reforms and results, not the destruction of anti-graft bodies.
A Plus also rejected interpretations of the Speaker of Parliament’s recent remarks on the OSP. Alban Bagbin had questioned the sustainability of funding the office without “tangible results”.
Clarity
According to the MP, the Speaker did not call for the abolition of the institution but highlighted the need for accountability in its operations.
“The issue is performance, not existence,” A Plus said, arguing that dissatisfaction with the current Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng, should not be used as justification to dissolve the entire office.
“If the problem is with the person, deal with the person,” he said.
He further dismissed criticisms that the OSP failed to prevent former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta from travelling out of the country during the previous administration.
The legislator further noted that the Special Prosecutor had no authority over immigration decisions and could not have overridden executive power.
He pointed to failed attempts by NPP MPs to pressure former President Nana Akufo-Addo to remove Ofori-Atta as evidence of the minister’s political influence.
Caution
A Plus cautioned members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) against shifting positions on the OSP depending on political convenience, recalling that the office was widely praised when it pursued high-profile figures in the former government.
He said the Mahama administration will retain and strengthen the Special Prosecutor’s office, adding that any decision to remove its current head would follow due process. “The office will remain and be fully empowered,” he said.
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