Special Prosecutor cannot be removed at the discretion of the president says legal expert

Legal analyst Sammy Darko has clarified that Ghana’s Special Prosecutor cannot be dismissed at the will of the president, emphasizing that the position is protected by a fixed term under the law. His comments come amid public debate about the independence of the anti-corruption office.

According to Darko, the law establishing the Office of the Special Prosecutor was designed to insulate the position from political interference. The fixed term arrangement ensures that the office holder can operate without fear of arbitrary removal.

He explained that removal of a Special Prosecutor can only occur under specific legal conditions, such as stated misconduct or incapacity, and must follow due process. This framework, he said, is essential for maintaining public confidence in anti-corruption efforts.

Governance experts have welcomed the clarification, noting that institutional independence is critical in fighting corruption effectively. They argue that political influence undermines accountability and weakens public trust.

The Office of the Special Prosecutor has played a key role in investigating corruption related cases involving public officials. Its work, while sometimes controversial, is seen as a cornerstone of Ghana’s accountability framework.

Darko urged citizens to understand the legal protections surrounding independent offices to avoid misinformation. He stressed that respect for the rule of law is essential for democratic stability.

As debates about governance continue, the issue of institutional independence remains central to Ghana’s democratic development.