Majority Leader warns abolition of OSP will not shield former officials from prosecution
The majority leader in Parliament, Mahama Ayariga, has cautioned that efforts to abolish the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) should not be interpreted as a way to grant impunity to former public officials facing corruption allegations. He addressed the House on 4 December 2025 during discussions surrounding the recent detention of private legal practitioner Martin Kpebu by the OSP.
According to the Majority Leader, even if Parliament proceeds with plans to dissolve the OSP, whether through a private member’s bill as proposed by a former Speaker or through executive-backed legislation, ongoing and future prosecutions will still proceed through the constitutionally established prosecutorial system. He urged citizens and lawmakers not to misunderstand abolition calls as a shield for persons implicated in wrongdoing.
Ayariga argued that the OSP’s mandate and independence have proven controversial, citing its eight years of existence with limited successful prosecutions despite substantial budget allocations. He emphasized that the core issue is not necessarily the institution itself but the overall effectiveness in delivering justice.
The Majority Leader’s stance comes amid growing debate over the relevance and cost-effectiveness of special anti-corruption bodies in Ghana’s current legal architecture. Critics of the OSP have highlighted public resource constraints and urged consolidation of prosecutorial functions under the office of the Attorney-General. Supporters, however, argue that the OSP remains vital for ensuring independent investigations free from political interference.
As the debate intensifies, Ayariga’s warnings serve as assurance to the public: abolishing the OSP will not create blanket immunity, existing allegations and evidence will continue to be subject to prosecution under law. Whether the House will act on calls for abolition remains to be seen.
