ACCRA, Ghana — The debate over Ghana’s anti-corruption architecture intensified in Parliament today after Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga called for the complete abolishment of the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP).
Ayariga made the appeal on the floor of the House while commenting on the recent detention of private legal practitioner Martin Kpebu by the OSP. He argued that the Attorney-General’s office is better positioned to spearhead the fight against corruption, provided it is given the necessary resources and backing.
However, the call was met with immediate resistance from the Minority side. Hon. Samuel Jinapor, the Member of Parliament for Damongo, defended the OSP, arguing that its creation by the previous administration was a “noble idea” and urged the Majority Caucus to halt any efforts to repeal the Act that established the specialized anti-graft body.
The discussion was also preceded by a request from the Majority Chief Whip, Rockson Dafeamekpor, who proposed that the House should invite the Special Prosecutor, Mr. Kissi Agyebeng, to appear before Parliament. The purpose of the invitation would be to explain the rationale behind the recent arrests and detentions of individuals called in to assist with investigations.
In his final remarks on the matter, the Rt. Hon. Speaker Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin cautioned against turning the issue into a partisan battle, stressing that the behavior of arresting and detaining individuals by the OSP and other security institutions must not be politicized.
This parliamentary exchange highlights the ongoing political tensions surrounding the OSP’s mandate and operational methods.
Ruth Abla ADJORLOLO
