Weakening OSP could return Ghana to ‘post-regime accountability’ – Osae-Kwapong

Dr John Osae-Kwapong, a Fellow at the Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), has asserted the critical role of the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) in Ghana's ongoing fight against corruption. Speaking on JoyNews' Newsfile, Dr Osae-Kwapong argued that the OSP is essential to maintaining accountability without waiting for a change in government.

He highlighted Ghana's history of holding public officials accountable, which often occurred after a change in government during the Fourth Republic. "If the Office of the Special Prosecutor is not the answer to independently fighting corruption, then what is the answer?" Dr Osae-Kwapong queried. He pointed out that the country's experience under the Fourth Republic demonstrated a tendency for allegations of wrongdoing to be pursued only after a change in government, leading to a pattern of post-regime accountability.

Dr Osae-Kwapong emphasized the importance of civil society organizations in supporting the OSP's establishment and continued operation as an independent anti-corruption institution. He warned that weakening or removing the OSP could return Ghana to a situation where accountability largely depends on a change of government. This situation was observed during the Fourth Republic and he argued that a strong and independent anti-corruption institution was necessary to break this cycle.

Dr Osae-Kwapong cited the Agyapa controversy as an example of public expectation for Ghanaian authorities to act upon allegations of wrongdoing made public through foreign legal proceedings. He noted the public outcry and calls for action in Ghana following the conviction of individuals in the United States in connection with the controversy.

While acknowledging the US authorities' actions, Dr Osae-Kwapong stressed that Ghana also had a responsibility to determine whether further actions were necessary to safeguard its own institutions and processes. He clarified that being named as a person of interest does not equate to guilt and that the OSP's identification of individuals does not imply they have committed an offence.

Instead, it indicates that these individuals might possess relevant information or require further investigation to determine their involvement in the alleged conduct. Ultimately, Dr Osae-Kwapong stressed that the broader objective should be to establish the facts and ensure accountability for anyone found to have engaged in unlawful or improper conduct.