Prof. Prempeh: OSP Will Fade Away Without a Constitutional Fix
Prof. Prempeh warns that piecemeal reforms and litigation cannot save the OSP, calling for a decisive constitutional solution
- Prof. Henry Kwasi Prempeh warns that the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) risks disappearing if a constitutional solution is not implemented
- He argues that piecemeal reforms or prolonged litigation will not resolve the challenges confronting the OSP
- The warning comes amid calls by some MPs, including Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga, to abolish the OSP
Prof. Henry Kwasi Prempeh, Executive Director of the Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), has urged for a constitutional solution to resolve the ongoing challenges surrounding the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP).
Speaking in an interview on Monday, December 8, Prof. Prempeh warned that piecemeal reforms or prolonged legal battles will not save the OSP. Without a decisive constitutional remedy, he cautioned, the office could become ineffective or even disappear entirely.
“The problem we’re facing now calls for a constitutional solution. If we don’t address it, we’ll be litigating around the issue, and the Office will disappear at some point,” he said.
Prof. Prempeh emphasized the need for a fundamental rethink rather than incremental fixes, highlighting that Ghana can draw on comparative models or innovate its own solutions to strengthen the institution.
His remarks come amid growing calls from Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga and some MPs to abolish the OSP, proposing that its investigative and prosecutorial responsibilities be transferred to the Attorney-General’s Department.
Earlier, on December 3, Mr. Ayariga questioned the under-resourcing of the Attorney-General’s Department while significant funds are allocated to the OSP, which he claimed has not met public expectations.
The debate over the future of the OSP continues as stakeholders explore ways to reinforce Ghana’s anti-corruption framework.
