The Global Security for Africa Research and Good Governance (GLOSARGG) has raised concerns about growing public criticism aimed at Ghana’s anti-corruption system, especially the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP).
The group warns that this trend could weaken the country’s governance and threaten national security.
In a statement released on April 20, 2026, and signed by its Executive Secretary, Francis Ahovi, the organisation said the rising criticism may have serious consequences beyond damaging the OSP’s image.
It explained that while citizens should question public institutions in a democracy, the current tone of debate is becoming risky.
“The Office of the Special Prosecutor is facing questions from people across the spectrum. Some people are even trying to discredit the work of the Special Prosecutor. It is good to question things in a democracy. The way people are criticising the Office of the Special Prosecutor now is a concern,” the statement noted.
GLOSARGG added that the nature of the discussions raises deeper concerns about public intentions and respect for institutions.
“It makes us wonder if people really want to hold institutions accountable,” it said.
The organisation also pointed to what it sees as a growing misuse of legal arguments. It warned that some people now interpret the law in ways that protect personal interests instead of promoting justice.
“The thing that is really worrying is that people are using the law in a way that’s not fair. They are interpreting the law in a way that helps them avoid getting in trouble than doing what is right,” the statement said, adding that this trend is “a direct attack on the rule of law, which is essential for a democracy to work”.
GLOSARGG further expressed concern about how public debates have become too personal. It said this shift is lowering the quality of national conversations and increasing distrust in institutions.
The group noted that while passion is important, it should not turn into hostility.
“While it is good to be passionate about things, making legal and institutional debates personal can make it hard for people to think clearly and make decisions,” it observed.
It linked this behaviour to a broader “pull him down syndrome” that harms national progress.
The organisation also referred to the idea of the “mother serpent of corruption,” which represents deeply rooted corruption systems.
It warned that weakening oversight bodies like the OSP could strengthen these systems instead of eliminating them.
“If we weaken the Office of the Special Prosecutor… it will not just affect that one office. It will hurt the system of good governance, transparency and accountability,” GLOSARGG warned.
Looking at the issue from a security angle, GLOSARGG outlined possible risks if anti-corruption institutions lose strength.
It said such a situation could affect stability and reduce public trust in government.
It also urged authorities to give the OSP more independence and stronger powers to carry out its work effectively. “The Office of the Special Prosecutor is important and weakening it will have consequences,” it stressed.
