In recent weeks, public debate surrounding the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has intensified, with growing calls from some influential stakeholders for the office to be scrapped. Among the voices advocating for its abolishment are the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, and the Majority Leader, Hon. Mahama Ayariga. They argue that despite eight years of existence and substantial budgetary allocations approved by Parliament, the OSP has not demonstrated sufficient results in combating corruption. According to them, adequately resourcing the Attorney-General’s Department would be a more effective approach to prosecuting corrupt officials.
However, before Ghanaians join the call to dismantle the OSP, it is crucial to take a closer look at the broader picture—one that shows not a failed institution, but an office still growing, still fighting, and still delivering meaningful wins in a very complex anti-corruption landscape.
Speaking in an exclusive interview on Ahomka 99.5FM, the Programs Officer of the Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition, Mr. Samuel Harrison-Cudjoe, urged Ghanaians to support—not abandon—the OSP. He acknowledged that expectations are understandably high, given the alarming scale and impact of corruption nationwide. He also reminded the public that the OSP is a relatively young institution and that fighting corruption in Ghana—or anywhere—is an uphill task requiring time, resources, and sustained public support.
Importantly, Mr. Harrison-Cudjoe emphasized that the OSP has made significant strides—many of which are often overlooked. Figures published on the OSP’s official website indicate major financial recoveries and preventive actions that have saved the State billions of cedis. These include:
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GH¢6.55 billion saved for the State
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GH¢6.42 billion worth of transactions suspended
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GH¢618.7 million in seized or frozen assets
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GH¢31.9 million in direct asset recovery
These are not insignificant achievements. They represent real money protected from potential misuse—money that can support development, improve public services, and strengthen national institutions.
Beyond the financial successes, the OSP has also initiated multiple legal actions. Currently, 33 individuals are standing trial, with 7 convictions secured. These actions, though not always widely publicized, show that the office is working and that accountability is being pursued.
At a time when corruption continues to drain national resources and undermine public trust, weakening or abolishing the OSP could set Ghana back significantly. Instead of dismantling the office, this is the moment for government, Parliament, civil society, and citizens to strengthen it—through funding, legislative support, and constructive engagement.
The fight against corruption is not the responsibility of a single institution. Institutions like the OSP remain critical pillars in our national accountability framework. For Ghana to make real progress, we must protect these institutions, allow them to mature, and demand improvement—not elimination.
The call today is simple: Support the Office of the Special Prosecutor. Strengthen it. Hold it accountable—but don’t abandon it.
Because the fight against corruption is a fight we cannot afford to lose.
