IMANI Africa defends CSO intervention in Supreme Court case challenging OSP Act

IMANI Africa defended the participation of civil society organisations (CSOs) in a Supreme Court case challenging the constitutionality of Ghana's anti-corruption framework law, the Office of the Special Prosecutor Act, 2017 (Act 959). An Associate at IMANI Africa, Kay Cudjoe, said the involvement of CSOs in the case is justified, following concerns raised by some critics. Speaking on The Pulse on JoyNews on Wednesday, May 6, Mr. Cudjoe rejected suggestions that CSO involvement compromises neutrality in the matter, stating, "I think critics who say that would be unfair because there's no neutrality when it comes to the fight against corruption. It's either you are for it or against it. It's as simple as that."

14 civil society organisations filed an application at the Supreme Court seeking to join the case of Adamtey v Attorney-General (Suit No. J1/3/2026), which challenges key provisions establishing the Office of the Special Prosecutor. The organizations stated that their intention is to support constitutional interpretation and strengthen accountability, rather than pursue partisan or personal interests. Mr. Cudjoe justified the collective action of civil society groups, drawing a comparison between organised wrongdoing and coordinated anti-corruption efforts.

The coalition seeking to join the case includes the Ghana Centre for Democratic Development, Transparency International Ghana, Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition, IMANI Africa, Democracy Hub, STAR-Ghana Foundation, NORSAAC, Penplusbytes, Africa Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP), Odekro, A Rocha Ghana, Parliamentary Network Africa, One Ghana Movement, and Africa Education Watch.