Calls grow to strengthen Ghana's Special Prosecutor to tackle corruption

Calls are mounting to expand the powers of Ghana's anti-graft agency amid persistent concerns over corruption. A new survey shows the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) commands more public trust than any other accountability institution in the country. Participants at a regional dialogue in Tamale urged that the OSP be strengthened and empowered to investigate cases, prosecute offenders, and recover stolen assets more effectively.

The forum was convened by the Ghana Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana) in collaboration with the OSP. The online survey of 412 Ghanaians found that 55.2 per cent expressed confidence in the OSP's ability to fight corruption independently. Bright Sowu, an OSP official, told participants that the office has prevented the loss of 7.18 billion cedis, about $600 million, since its establishment. 33 people are currently on trial, 35.14 million cedis has been recovered, and 7 transactions have been suspended. The office has also secured convictions and reached more than 13,000 people through public education initiatives. Justice Awen-Natey Atiim of RAINS Ghana said, "The country still needs the OSP."

Key recommendations from the survey include anchoring the OSP firmly in the Constitution, guaranteeing financial autonomy, strengthening prosecutorial powers, and introducing unexplained wealth orders. It also calls for the establishment of an independent Anti-Corruption and Ethics Commission, alongside increased capacity building for the OSP.