Dr. Kojo Asante, Director of Policy, Advocacy and Engagement at CDD-Ghana, has warned that resistance from Ghana’s political class to an independent prosecutor is undermining the country’s fight against corruption.
Speaking on Channel One TV’s Big Issue on Saturday, December 6, he stated that the pushback against the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) since its creation reveals a deeper political desire to control who faces prosecution and who does not.
He argued that the OSP, though established to operate independently, has been subjected to persistent harassment, coordinated attacks, and attempts to undermine its work. According to Dr. Asante, these pressures are deliberate, reflecting political actors’ discomfort with an institution capable of pursuing cases without interference.
“It is obvious to me that the political class does not want the idea of an independent prosecutor,” he said, stressing that many leaders prefer a system where they can decide who faces accountability and who is shielded from the law.
He added that the OSP has consistently performed its mandate despite the obstacles, proving its relevance in curbing corruption and limiting impunity in public office. For that reason, he said, dismantling or weakening the office would be a major setback for good governance.
“The OSP has performed and has withstood every challenge. Since its establishment, it has faced constant harassment, barrage, and continuous efforts to undermine it. It is clear to me that the political class does not want the idea of an independent prosecutor, because people want to control the prosecution process — who should be prosecuted and who should not. And if we are going to tackle corruption and restrain the kind of impunity that is endangering our democracy, we need an office like the OSP,” he said.
