Damongo lawmaker Samuel Abdulai Jinapor wants an objective review of the Office of the Special Prosecutor’s functions, guided by the rule of law rather than partisan interests.
His comments come amid ongoing debate about scrapping or maintaining the OSP, with opinions divided on its effectiveness since its inception.
Debate over the OSP’s role has intensified recently, sparked by its bid to extradite former Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta for trial over various allegations.
Other ongoing cases handled by the Office have also fueled the discussion. In Parliament on Thursday, December 4, 2025, legislators clashed over the OSP’s relevance and constitutionality.
Jinapor, during the debate and after, posited that the period presents “an important opportunity to reflect on the principles that informed its establishment and the direction in which we must proceed as a country committed to the rule of law.”
According to him, President Akufo-Addo’s intention for putting up the institution was to bolster the nation’s anti-graft architecture in order to help curb it.
“The goal was to establish a dedicated institution focused on the rigorous investigation, unravelling and prosecution of corruption,” he said, noting that the model was not unique to Ghana and has been adopted in several other jurisdictions.
On whether the OSP’s eight-year track record, since its inception justifies its existence, and if its mandate and prosecutorial powers are constitutional, the Damongo MP said critical questions need to be answered.
Responding to Majority’s claims that the Office is unconstitutional and ineffective, Jinapor noted the government has an overwhelming majority in Parliament to abolish it if they want.
“This is a Government with a commanding Parliamentary majority, and if they truly believe the Office should be abolished, they have the means to act rather than deliver extended public lectures on the subject,” he stated.
Stressing on the direct relationship between institutional credibility and consistency, the former Minister of Lands and Natural Resources warned that the law not be treated as a tool for political expediency.
“When concerns are raised only when the interests of certain political actors are affected, it undermines public confidence and gives the impression that the law serves convenience rather than justice,” he cautioned.
A strengthened democracy, he added, is only attained when justice is applied impartially, urging the Legislature and the general public to uphold the principles of fairness and constitutionalism as the debate over the existence of the OSP continues.
“Let us remain steadfast in upholding the rule of law, ensuring that justice is applied fairly, consistently, and without fear or favour, for it is in this that the strength of our democracy truly lies,” he said.
Don’t fall for the political trap of scrapping the OSP – Edudzi tells President Mahama
