Dafeamekpor Criticises OSP Over Accra-Centred Anti-Corruption Operations

The Majority Chief Whip argued that the fight against corruption cannot be effectively carried out from Accra alone and called on the OSP to expand its operations into the regions and districts.

According to the South Dayi lawmaker, corruption and financial misconduct are widespread across Ghana, particularly within district assemblies and public institutions, as highlighted in Auditor-General reports.

He stressed that the OSP must establish regional and district offices to strengthen monitoring, investigations and deterrence efforts nationwide.

“We have given the OSP the mandate under the law to establish regional offices. Crime is not limited to Accra and Tema,” he stated.

Mr Dafeamekpor maintained that although he respects President John Dramani Mahama’s call for patience with the OSP, the institution still has significant room for improvement.

He explained that the President had urged critics to allow the anti-corruption body more time to grow and improve its effectiveness.

However, the MP argued that patience alone cannot justify what he described as low output and inadequate expansion despite the resources allocated to the office.

He said establishing OSP offices at the district level would help discourage corruption and misconduct among public officials and state agencies operating across the country.

“If every district knows there is an OSP officer present, certain acts of corruption and misuse of public funds will reduce,” he stated.

Mr Dafeamekpor further warned that failure by the OSP to expand its operations and improve performance would continue to attract criticism over the use of public funds and the effectiveness of the institution.