Sam Okudzeto Challenges OSP Foundation
Former President of the Ghana Bar Association, Sam Okudzeto, has launched a scathing critique of the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), branding its establishment a “dangerous experiment” lacking a solid foundation.
Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express on December 8, Mr. Okudzeto questioned the rationale, purpose, and overall effectiveness of the OSP, arguing that Ghana did not require a separate prosecutorial body.
“The big question Ghanaians must confront is simple: why was the OSP created and what has it achieved?” he asked, suggesting the institution’s creation was not a necessity.
When pressed by host Evans Mensah for a direct answer, Mr. Okudzeto was unequivocal. “I don’t think so. That is exactly the issue I’m trying to drive here. It hasn’t achieved its purpose because corruption is still rampant. I see it every day, everywhere you turn in every institution, it’s openly displayed.”
He described a situation where corruption is no longer feared, alleging instances of officials demanding money even after payments have been made. “People are no longer even afraid. You go there, and they demand money from you to do this for you, when you already paid,” he stated.
Mr. Okudzeto believes the OSP’s failure is evident, pointing to the existing structure within the Attorney General’s Department. “You have an Attorney General’s Department with a civil section and a prosecutorial section headed by the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Solicitor General respectively. What makes corruption different from any other crime? The Director of Public Prosecutions is already tasked with prosecuting criminal offences, including corruption,” he explained.
He dismissed the notion of the OSP being a “special purpose vehicle,” arguing that such offices are typically created to address specific, arising problems, not as a wholesale replacement for existing structures. “You don’t create the whole institution for it, as we have done,” he said.
Referencing international examples, Mr. Okudzeto noted that individuals like the former Prime Minister of England and Justice D F Anang, both former Directors of Public Prosecution, rose to prominence through established prosecutorial roles.
He suggested a return to the Attorney General’s mandate as a more sensible solution. “That is what should have been done. But I suspect somebody thought that corruption was too rampant in the country, and therefore to create an institution for that purpose was a good idea.”
Mr. Okudzeto further warned that the OSP’s focus on an individual, rather than building a robust institutional system, was a critical flaw. “You appoint an individual and then try to create an institution around that individual. What is the background of that individual?” he questioned.
He concluded with a stark warning: “When you don’t train people to do a job, you think that creating institutions, particularly when they think it’s just an individual, it’s dangerous. It’s very, very dangerous.”
Image Source: MYJOYONLINE
