Ace Ankomah Proposes Merger for Independent Prosecution System

Ace Anan Ankomah, a private legal practitioner, has proposed significant reforms to bolster Ghana’s anti-corruption efforts, suggesting a consolidation of key agencies.

Mr. Ankomah advocates for merging the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), and the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) into a single, independent prosecutorial body.

His call comes amid growing public and parliamentary discussions regarding the future of the OSP, with some advocating for its abolition or restructuring. Speaking on Channel One TV on Monday, December 8, Mr. Ankomah argued that the current debate presents an opportunity for a comprehensive overhaul of the nation’s prosecutorial system.

He specifically called for a constitutional review of Articles 88(3) and (4), which vest prosecutorial authority in the Attorney-General’s office. Mr. Ankomah believes this arrangement has proven inadequate in effectively prosecuting complex corruption and economic crimes.

“In my view Parliament passing the OSP Act is the biggest concession that when it comes to corruption and corruption related offences the AG’s office has not done well,” he stated.

According to Mr. Ankomah, economic and financial crimes demand specialized expertise, and perpetrators often employ sophisticated legal strategies that the existing system struggles to counter. He believes combining the OSP’s anti-corruption zeal with the DPP’s institutional stability and EOCO’s investigative capabilities would create a more formidable and impartial entity.

“We cannot trust any government with criminal prosecutions because we see that it favours their friends,” he stressed. He added that a truly independent authority is essential to securing public trust and ensuring justice is served impartially.

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