A political analyst, Siaw Mandela, has called for constitutional independence for the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) following recent legal developments involving its prosecutorial powers.

His comments come after a High Court ruling reportedly indicated that the OSP cannot independently prosecute cases without the involvement or authority of the Attorney-General’s Department.

Speaking on Ghana Nti Morning Show with host Nana Nhyiraba Kwabena Asirifi, Siaw Mandela argued that the current legal framework has always placed the OSP under the Attorney-General, making full independence difficult.
He noted that while the OSP law allows the office to investigate and prosecute corruption-related offences, it does not place it above the Attorney-General, who constitutionally holds ultimate prosecutorial authority in Ghana.

According to him, this structure was influenced by political considerations at the time the law was passed, particularly under the New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration, which appointed the Special Prosecutor.

Siaw Mandela stressed that despite these limitations, the OSP has made meaningful contributions, including retrieving public funds and deterring corruption through its presence.

He therefore advocated:
Granting the OSP constitutional independence
Ensuring dedicated funding to prevent political interference
Allowing the office to operate without control from the Attorney-General
He argued that strengthening the OSP could significantly help Ghana recover stolen funds and support national development.

“Corruption is killing us. If properly empowered, the OSP can help retrieve enough resources to support government development goals,” he emphasized.

He also urged politicians to be transparent and ensure proper investigations before prosecutions, rather than making politically motivated arrests.