Ghana's Special Prosecutor Urges Civil Society to Safeguard Anti-Corruption Office

Story by Fada Amakye

The Special Prosecutor of Ghana, Mr. Kissi Agyebeng, has called on civil society to protect the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) from political interference and ensure its independence. Speaking at an event, Agyebeng expressed pride that over 70% of Ghanaians trust the OSP to fight corruption, but warned that the office’s existence is under threat.

Agyebeng revealed that the OSP faced existential troubles in 2025, with attempts to scrap the office in parliament, and credited the President’s intervention for its survival. He emphasized that politicians do not want the OSP around because it is “bad news for politicians”. This statement underscores the challenges faced by the OSP in its efforts to combat corruption, particularly when it involves high-ranking government officials.

The Special Prosecutor urged civil society to keep the OSP afloat, stating that it is their “handiwork” and should not be allowed to die. He called for the OSP to be entrenched in the Constitution, making it an institution that stands the test of time. This, he said, would ensure that the OSP is not subjected to whimsical decisions by politicians and would give it the necessary independence to effectively investigate and prosecute corruption cases.

Agyebeng also expressed concern that the focus on fighting corruption is being diverted by existential battles, weakening the office’s effectiveness. He noted that the OSP should not have to spend its time fighting for survival, but rather focus on its core mandate of investigating and prosecuting corruption cases. He urged civil society to seize the opportunity presented by the Constitution review process to secure the OSP’s future.

The OSP has been instrumental in investigating and prosecuting corruption cases in Ghana, and Agyebeng’s call for support highlights the challenges faced by anti-corruption agencies in the country. The office has made significant strides in recent years, but its effectiveness is being hampered by lack of resources and political interference.

Agyebeng’s appeal to civil society is a call to action, urging them to take ownership of the OSP and ensure that it is protected from political machinations. He emphasized that the OSP is not just an institution, but a symbol of Ghana’s commitment to fighting corruption and promoting good governance.

The civil society has a critical role to play in ensuring the OSP’s survival and effectiveness. They must continue to hold politicians accountable and push for reforms that strengthen the OSP and other anti-corruption agencies. By doing so, they can help create a culture of accountability and transparency in Ghana, and ensure that the country achieves its development goals.