President John Mahama has sparked controversy in Parliament after requesting the Majority Leader and Majority Chief Whip to withdraw a bill seeking to repeal the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) Act.
The bill, introduced by Mr Mahama Ayariga, the Majority Leader, and Mr Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, the Majority Chief Whip, on Thursday, December 4, aimed to return full prosecutorial authority over corruption cases to the Attorney-General, citing structural and constitutional challenges, duplication of functions, and high operational costs.
However, on Thursday, December 11, President Mahama urged patience, emphasising the OSP’s critical role in promoting transparency and good governance.
“The Office of the Special Prosecutor plays a critical role in our anti-corruption agenda, and my government remains committed to supporting and strengthening it,” he said.
Mr Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the Presidential Spokesperson, confirmed the President’s request and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening institutions tasked with fighting corruption through a statement issued on Thursday.
Meanwhile, Mr Habib Iddrisu, the First Deputy Minority Whip, reacting to the issue on the Floor of Parliament on Thursday, criticised the President’s move, accusing the Executive of trying to control Parliament.
He said, “… Now the President is dictating to Members of Parliament. When the Majority Chief Whip and the Majority Leader intended to file a Private Members’ Bill, the President told them to repeal it. Why? Mr Speaker, the Executive has no authority to dictate what happens in Parliament.”
The OSP is Ghana’s premier anti-corruption agency, empowered to investigate and prosecute corruption cases involving public officials and private individuals.
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