The Committee on Constitutional, Legal, and Parliamentary Affairs has lauded the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) for its resounding success in combating corruption, a pivotal step towards fostering sustainable development in Ghana.
Under the stewardship of Kwame Anyimadu Antwi, the Committee resonates with the effective utilization of resources by the Special Prosecutors.
Initially allocated GH¢129,549,380.00 for the 2023 fiscal year, the OSP underwent a Mid-year Budget Review, resulting in a revised allocation of GH¢149,549,380.00. Furthermore, an additional GH¢62,500,000.00 was allocated to the OSP, comprising GH¢37,500,000.00 for Goods and Services and GH¢25,000,000.00 for Capital Expenditure. This cumulative support soared to an impressive GH¢212,049,380.00, signifying a robust investment in the OSP’s initiatives.
Key Accomplishments
The Committee’s comprehensive report underscored several notable achievements by the Office of the Special Prosecutor during the year:
Strengthening Operations
The OSP executed a substantial recruitment campaign, enlisting 239 personnel. This landmark achievement substantially bolstered its capabilities since its inception in 2018, significantly enhancing its capacity to combat corruption and its associated offenses.
Legal Pursuits Against Corruption
Legal actions were initiated against seven individuals, encompassing a former minister, a CEO, deputies, a District Chief Executive nominee, public servants, and private individuals, charged with various corruption-related offenses. This proactive approach reaffirms the OSP’s commitment to holding individuals accountable for corrupt practices.
Milestones in Investigations
Multiple investigations were undertaken and concluded by the OSP. Notably, inquiries were conducted into an alleged attempt by an undisclosed businessman to bribe members of the parliamentary majority caucus. Additionally, investigations into the misappropriation of public office for personal gain by the former secretary of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining (IMCM) were finalized. These investigations form part of a broader inquiry into illegal mining and IMCM activities.
Global Collaborations
Collaborations with international agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), were pivotal in scrutinizing unexplained wealth and financial transactions between Ghana and the United States. This collaboration signifies the OSP’s commitment to combatting corruption beyond national borders.
The commendable efforts and significant progress made by the Office of the Special Prosecutor underscore its commitment to transparency, accountability, and upholding the rule of law in Ghana. The Committee’s report serves as an unequivocal endorsement of the OSP’s endeavours in combating corruption and advancing the nation’s sustainable development agenda.
This is coming in the aftermath of the Special Prosecutor’s accusation against the Judiciary for impeding the execution of his duties, Kissi Agyebeng publicly lamented the challenges faced, highlighting the courts’ role in obstructing his work.
Shortly after Agyebeng’s statements made waves, Paul Adom Otchere, a renowned government propagandist and host of “Good Evening Ghana” on Metro TV, stirred controversy by releasing confidential documents. These documents purportedly revealed a request by the OSP for approximately 44 vehicles, potentially aiming to provoke public backlash against the Special Prosecutor.
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