The Ghanaian government has rejected claims of presidential interference in the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) amid ongoing court rulings and reform debates. Minister of State Felix Kwakye Ofosu dismissed allegations of presidential meddling as unfounded and stressed the judiciary's autonomous handling of challenges to the OSP's authority, according to MyJoyOnline.
The controversy centers on a recent court ruling requiring the OSP to obtain the Attorney General’s approval before prosecuting cases, which some view as limiting its independence. Majority Chief Whip Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor defended this oversight, arguing the OSP remains independent despite needing the Attorney General's nod and calling for institutional strengthening rather than abolishment.
Experts including Dr. Kwame Asah-Asante from the University of Ghana advocate addressing the power dispute through constitutional and institutional reforms. He urged civil society organizations to allow the courts to resolve the OSP’s jurisdictional issues, expressing concern about politicizing the matter while calling for patience toward the judicial process.
Political actors have also responded to civil society pressure. John Darko, Minority Legal Counsel, noted that the Attorney General’s court positions reflect the government’s stance, while Dafeamekpor accused civil society groups of "emotional blackmail" in their demands for presidential comments. Both emphasized the importance of respecting the ongoing Supreme Court proceedings.
Going forward, the Supreme Court’s decisions and potential constitutional amendments will be critical to defining the OSP’s prosecutorial powers and independence. Stakeholders across government and civil society will closely monitor these developments as Ghana seeks to balance anti-corruption efforts with legal and institutional frameworks.
Office of the Special Prosecutor
Attorney-General
Accra High Court
Ghana
Sindh High Court
Supreme Court
