President John Dramani Mahama has pushed back against calls to abolish the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), stating it is too early to judge its effectiveness.
During a meeting with the National Peace Council at the Presidency on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, President Mahama emphasized his support for the OSP, arguing it deserves more time to fulfill its mandate.
He highlighted the office’s unique role in Ghana’s anti-corruption framework, noting its independence to prosecute cases without requiring approval from the Attorney General’s Department.
“I think it is premature to call for the closure of that office,” he stated.
The President traced the establishment of the OSP to public skepticism toward the Attorney General’s office, which is traditionally held by a member of the government.
He explained that many citizens believed an Attorney General might hesitate to prosecute officials from their own administration.
“People had mistrust… They believe the Attorney General would be reluctant to prosecute his own,” he said.
In contrast, he noted, an independent office with dedicated legal staff and security of tenure assures the public that wrongdoing will be pursued without fear or favor.
“I think we should give them a little time,” he urged.
The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening all anti-corruption institutions, including the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) and the OSP.
“That is why we are resourcing EOCO and the other anti-corruption institutions, including the Office of the Special Prosecutor,” he noted.
Linking accountability to regional stability, President Mahama warned that governance failures can lead to a breakdown of democracy, as seen in recent military takeovers elsewhere in West Africa.
“I do not enjoy prosecuting people,” he concluded. “But the people of Ghana will not forgive us if people develop impunity in terms of abusing the trust placed in them.”
