The Coalition for Democratic Accountability and Inclusive Governance (CDAIG), also known as Citizens’ Coalition, attributes the recent difficulties faced by Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng to his pursuit of the case against former Sanitation Minister, Cecilia Abena Dapaah. During a press briefing held at the International Press Center, Ridge, on May 22, 2024, the group addressed the theme “Our Failing Fight Against Corruption, the Petition to Remove the OSP, and Other Matters Arising,” raising multiple issues and calling for a more serious governmental commitment to combating corruption.
The CDAIG highlighted that the establishment of the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) was initially seen as a crucial addition to the existing anti-corruption framework, intended to address the criminality of politically exposed persons in government. The necessity of the OSP arose from the impracticality of expecting the Attorney General to prosecute peers within and outside the government, leading to the delegation of prosecutorial powers to an independent entity. Despite initial goodwill, the office quickly faced challenges.
“The establishment of the OSP was seen as an important missing piece in the array of anticorruption institutions to tackle the criminality of politically exposed persons in government,” the CDAIG noted. “It was widely acknowledged that expecting the Attorney General to prosecute colleagues within and outside the government was untenable, necessitating the delegation of prosecutorial powers to an independent entity.”
Martin Amidu, the first occupant of the Special Prosecutor’s Office, frequently raised concerns about inadequate facilities, logistical challenges, and occasional executive interferences, which eventually led to his resignation. His departure cast a shadow over the office, with many Ghanaians feeling disillusioned about its potential effectiveness.
“His eventual resignation laid blame at the President’s door. A sense of disillusionment pervaded among many Ghanaians regarding the office and its potential,” the coalition stated.
Following a period of uncertainty, Kissi Agyebeng assumed the role of Special Prosecutor. Despite encountering similar obstacles as his predecessor, the office gradually found its footing and began effectively carrying out its duties.
“While it has encountered occasional setbacks, the OSP has remained steadfast and taken on cases expected of a specialized anti-corruption organization,” the CDAIG acknowledged.
The CDAIG disclosed that public recognition of the OSP’s crucial role has grown, with strong support from the public whenever the office comes under attack. However, the case against Cecilia Dapaah has highlighted tensions between the OSP and other governmental entities, such as the Attorney General’s office and the Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO).
“The OSP’s recent frustration has come from taking on Madam Cecilia Dapaah’s case. The public spat involving the AG, EOCO, and OSP shows clearly that the OSP and government relations are strained, to put it mildly,” they stated.
These tensions have led to calls from some sections of society for the abolition of the OSP, with legal challenges contesting the constitutional and statutory basis for its establishment.
The CDAIG emphasized the necessity for anti-corruption institutions to operate independently to succeed in the fight against corruption. They stressed that the effectiveness of these institutions hinges on their ability to function without undue interference.
“If we truly aspire to fight corruption and succeed, our institutions must operate independently,” the coalition stated.
The challenges faced by the OSP underscore the broader issues within Ghana’s anti-corruption efforts. The case against Cecilia Dapaah serves as a litmus test for the resilience and independence of the OSP and highlights the ongoing need for robust support and reforms to strengthen anti-corruption institutions.
The Citizens’ Coalition’s address at the International Press Center shed light on the significant challenges confronting the OSP and its leadership. As Ghana continues to grapple with corruption, the support and independence of institutions like the OSP remain critical. The coalition’s call for a serious governmental commitment to combating corruption underscores the urgent need for systemic changes to ensure the effectiveness and longevity of the OSP and other anti-corruption bodies in the country.
The ongoing developments will likely shape the future of Ghana’s anti-corruption landscape, determining whether institutions like the OSP can maintain their mandate and effectiveness in the face of political and logistical challenges.
Source: Ghana Web
