Prof Oquaye says OSP could be dissolved if Parliament enacts new law revising its mandate
Former Speaker of Parliament and respected statesman Aaron Mike Oquaye has argued publicly that the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) could be dissolved if Parliament enacts a Private Members’ Bill to restructure Ghana’s prosecutorial framework. His remarks come amid growing debate over the cost, effectiveness and constitutional standing of the office.
Oquaye said the existing duplication of prosecutorial powers may no longer serve Ghana’s interest, and that consolidating investigative and prosecutorial responsibilities under the traditional legal architecture, namely the Attorney-General’s office—could improve efficiency and accountability. He suggested that resources currently committed to the OSP might be better managed under a unified prosecution system.
This call echoes long-standing criticisms levelled against the OSP: allegations of inefficiency, lack of major convictions, and concerns about transparency and budgetary accountability. Notably, critics point out that despite substantial funding since its establishment in 2018 under Act 959, the office has secured relatively few high-profile convictions or asset recoveries. The petition submitted to President John Dramani Mahama in October 2025, citing incompetence and mismanagement reflects such frustrations.
Under Ghanaian law, the OSP holds independent prosecutorial powers separate from the Attorney-General’s office. Its mandate covers corruption and corruption-related offences involving public officers and politically exposed persons.
However, Oquaye argues that the legal framework provides mechanisms for reform. He insists that if Parliament finds consensus, a revision of the law could dissolve or restructure the OSP, consolidating anti-corruption efforts under a more streamlined prosecutorial system. He believes this might reduce duplication, improve resource use, and restore public confidence in the prosecution of corruption cases.
The former Speaker’s remarks have stirred reactions from different quarters. Some anti-corruption advocates warn that dissolution could weaken institutional independence and open the door to political interference, especially given historically politicised prosecutions under the Attorney-General’s office. Others say reform is necessary, highlighting that the OSP must be held accountable for performance, not just upheld for symbolic value.
As the debate intensifies, all eyes are on Parliament. Will lawmakers support the process of dissolving or restructuring the OSP? Or will calls for accountability result instead in stronger oversight and reform within the existing framework?
For now, Oquaye’s comments re-ignite a national conversation about the effectiveness, structure, and future of Ghana’s fight against corruption, and whether the OSP, as currently constituted, remains the best vehicle for that mission.
