'We need it' - Srem Sai backs OSP's role despite court ruling
Justice Srem Sai, Deputy Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, stated that Ghana still needs the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), stressing its continued relevance in the country's anti-corruption framework. Speaking on the Super Morning Show on Joy FM on Friday, April 17, he said, "We need it," in response to a question on whether Ghana still requires the Office of the Special Prosecutor.
These comments follow a recent ruling by an Accra High Court that significantly affected the prosecutorial mandate of the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP). In its decision delivered on April 15, 2026, the court held that the OSP does not have the constitutional authority to independently prosecute criminal cases without authorisation from the Attorney-General's Department. The court directed that all ongoing prosecutions being handled by the OSP be transferred to the Attorney-General's Department. The ruling followed a legal action filed by private citizen Peter Achibold Hyde, who questioned the legal basis for the OSP's independent prosecutorial authority.
The High Court decision comes against the backdrop of a separate constitutional case already pending before the Supreme Court of Ghana. That suit was filed by private citizen Noah Ephraem Tetteh Adamtey, who is challenging the constitutionality of the law that established the OSP - the Office of the Special Prosecutor Act, 2017 (Act 959). The suit seeks to have portions of Act 959 declared unconstitutional, particularly provisions that grant the OSP authority to prosecute cases independently. Until the apex court delivers its final determination, the ongoing legal developments are likely to continue shaping the operational scope of anti-corruption prosecutions in Ghana.
Quick Summary
Justice Srem Sai has defended the Office of the Special Prosecutor- amid legal challenges to its authority. The Deputy Attorney-General's statement hints at the ongoing debate about the OSP's role in Ghana's legal system.
Summary - read the full story for complete context.

Image: MyJoyOnline
GhanaFront aggregates news from trusted sources. Click to read the original article.
Keywords
Explore related tagsMore from MyJoyOnline
Related Stories
More from Politics

It's not strange - Prof. Oquaye on High Court's decision in OSP-AG power row
A former Speaker of Parliament is speaking out- but what does it mean for the Special Prosecutor?
5h ago•3 min read

Asiedu Nketiah urges government to ensure the completion of Afari Military Hospital
Asiedu Nketiah is pushing for the completion of a military hospital - but what's at stake if it remains unfinished?
7h ago•2 min read

Pope criticises 'tyrants' who spend billions on wars after Trump spat
The Pope's unusually forceful comments come after a high-profile spat - what does this mean for the future?
14h ago•4 min read

Justice remains permanent need in Ghana - Nana Oye Bampoe Addo
Why did a Supreme Court leader say you cannot permanently remove the need for justice in Ghana?
23h ago•3 min read





