President John Dramani Mahama stands firm on his administration's dedication to bolstering Ghana's efforts against corruption. He specifically defended the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP). Legal wrangling should not weaken the pursuit of accountability in public life. The President made these remarks during the 2026 May Day celebrations. The event took place at Jackson Park in Koforidua on May 1, 2026.
Mr. Mahama believes a strong constitutional foundation exists for an effective OSP. This remains true despite current legal cases before the Supreme Court. "While some of the issues are pending appeal and Supreme Court interpretation, the government believes that there is space for an effective Office of the Special Prosecutor with special powers of prosecution," he stated. These legal disputes focus on the OSP's exact prosecutorial authority.
The government is actively working to improve the justice system. The Attorney-General has submitted a bill to Parliament. This bill aims to establish regional tribunals. These tribunals will boost the efficiency of justice delivery. They are designed to speed up the prosecution of cases. This move will help decentralize justice and tackle complex corruption cases more swiftly. Such cases often face significant delays within the current court system.
The OSP was created by the Office of the Special Prosecutor Act of 2017. This law grants it powers to investigate and prosecute corruption offenses. However, questions have arisen about its autonomy. Specifically, concerns exist about whether its prosecutorial powers are truly independent. Some analysts point to a potential conflict with Article 88 of the constitution. This article relates to the Attorney-General's authority. The debate centers on Parliament's ability to grant independent prosecutorial powers to a body outside the Attorney-General's direct oversight.
President Mahama emphasized a commitment to building robust institutions. These institutions are crucial for delivering justice effectively. He also highlighted the need to restore public trust in the fight against graft. The establishment of regional tribunals is a key step in this direction. The ongoing discussions about the OSP's mandate will continue to be closely watched.