By Francis Kobena Tandoh
Co-Chair of Citizens Movement Against Corruption (CMaC), Edem Senanu, has kicked against the scrapping of the Office of Special Prosecutor (OSP).
His comment comes on the back of increased pressure on the OSP to be abolished, but Senanu reaffirmed his position.
According to him, scrapping the anti-corruption state institution would undermine independent accountability and deter qualified individuals from taking on such jobs.
Senanu emphasized that the OSP remains essential for holding “politically connected individuals” accountable.
He has, over the years, consistently praised the OSP for filling a unique anti-corruption role, especially in holding politically exposed persons accountable.
For him, the problem is not the institution but attempts to dismantle an important shield against corruption.
On 4 December 2025, Mahama Ayariga, the Majority Leader in Parliament, formally called for the abolition of the OSP. He argues that the office has received substantial resources yet “failed to deliver results” and proposed transferring all corruption-investigation powers to the Attorney-General’s Department.
However, Senanu and other like-minded persons say that scrapping the OSP now would undermine the broader fight against corruption, especially at a time when the institution is still investigating major cases.
Spokesperson to the President and Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has said there is “no indication from the President” to abolish the OSP, stressing that any attempt to do so must follow due legislative and constitutional process.
While Parliament (or at least some of its leaders) is pushing for abolishment, the move has not yet been translated into law.
Many civil-society actors say the OSP provides a much-needed independent, specialized, and politically insulated anti-corruption mechanism vital for prosecuting high-level cases that ordinary bodies may shy away from.
Scrapping the OSP or replacing it without guarantees of independence risks undermining public demand for accountability and discouraging qualified professionals from serving in oversight agencies.
The issue, they suggest, is not the concept of the OSP itself but weak output tied to resource gaps and under-resourcing; they argue better resourcing and political backing, not abolition, is what’s required.
As Senanu put it, the focus should be on strengthening and properly resourcing the institution, not dismantling it.
With Parliament (as reported) “unanimously” agreeing to recommend the abolishment of OSP, a bill or legislative process may soon be initiated.
If that happens, the debate will shift to what replaces it: Will the Attorney-General’s Department be empowered, and if so, under what safeguards? Several civil society groups argue that existing institutions have historically struggled with political interference.
The result will have significant implications for Ghana’s long-term fight against corruption: the independent nature of the OSP was widely viewed as a strength, especially for high-stakes, politically sensitive cases.
Given that, Senanu’s opposition to scrapping OSP draws on concerns about accountability, governance, and the need for a strong anti-corruption framework not just in this crisis moment, but for the long term. Enditem
Source: Ghana Eye Report
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