The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has expressed deep concern about the large sums of public money being allocated each year to the Office of the Special Prosecutor.
He believes the investment no longer matches the results and says Parliament must take a hard look at how the office operates.
Speaking during discussions on the OSP’s budget for the coming year, the Speaker reminded MPs that the House had raised issues about the legal basis of the office from the start.
He noted that Parliament had supported its creation in the hope of strengthening the fight against corruption, yet the progress made so far has fallen short of expectations.
Bagbin said the country cannot continue to pour huge resources into an institution that is not producing the desired impact.
He pointed out that the OSP now receives nearly the same level of funding as the Attorney General’s Department, a comparison he believes should prompt serious reflection within the House.
He urged MPs to confront the matter directly to protect the public purse and restore public confidence.
Calling for a more honest national conversation about the state of anti-corruption institutions, the Speaker said Parliament must play its part in ensuring accountability.
“We cannot continue to be failing the good people of Ghana,” he said.
“If we do our work well, we will be able to curb corruption and hold the executive to account not only in terms of money but also the trust placed in leadership.”
Bagbin welcomed the plan for a committee of the whole meeting to address lingering concerns, describing it as a timely step that could help strengthen oversight and improve the performance of key state institutions.
