Former Attorney-General Godfred Dame has stated he authorized the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) to prosecute cases. He made this assertion during an interview on Joy News. Mr. Dame served as Attorney-General under the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) government. His statements address concerns about the OSP's legal standing to pursue corruption cases.
Section 4 of the OSP Act, known as Act 959, explicitly recognizes the Attorney-General's power to authorize prosecutions. Mr. Dame highlighted this provision during the interview. He also referenced Article 88 of Ghana's Constitution. These legal frameworks, he explained, show no conflict with the OSP's mandate. The OSP can only prosecute with the Attorney-General's authorization according to these laws.
This issue is part of a larger discussion about good governance in Ghana. There have been ongoing debates on the OSP's independence. Recent court rulings have also put the OSP's prosecutorial powers under scrutiny. An Accra High Court ruled in April 2026 that the OSP needs Attorney-General approval. A similar case is now before the Supreme Court.
Mr. Dame pointed to LI 2374, the Special Procedures (Prosecution) Regulations. This instrument further delegates prosecutorial authority to the Special Prosecutor. He explained that even if delegation were insufficient, an executive instrument is a simple administrative step. "That is a straightforward, five-minute function," Mr. Dame commented. He mentioned personally signing such instruments for agencies like the Forestry Commission and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
The former AG expressed frustration with what he sees as a deliberate lack of action. He believes this inaction by current authorities shows a "lack of interest in ensuring that the Special Prosecutor functions and fights corruption." He suggested this reluctance fuels legal challenges that undermine the OSP. Mr. Dame also criticized media and civil society for sometimes relying on a single viewpoint. This, he argued, can confuse the public about the OSP's role.
These remarks carry significant weight for public finance and the fight against graft. The OSP plays a crucial role in recovering misappropriated public funds. Its effectiveness directly impacts investor confidence. Delays or constraints on its operations could deter legitimate business. It also sends a signal about the government's commitment to transparency and accountability. The outcome of the pending Supreme Court case will be closely watched. It could set a new precedent for corruption investigations in Ghana. Decision-makers and international partners will assess the implications for Ghana's legal and economic landscape.