CSOs Raise Alarm Over OSP Legal Battles, Demand Independent Prosecutor
A coalition of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) has expressed deep concern over recent legal developments affecting the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), warning that the situation could undermine Ghana’s anti-corruption efforts.
In a press statement issued on April 20, 2026, the group said ongoing actions involving the Attorney-General (AG) and decisions by the courts risk weakening the operational independence of the OSP.
The CSOs pointed to a case currently before the Supreme Court of Ghana involving Noah Adamtey against the Attorney-General, where the AG is reportedly supporting arguments seeking to declare portions of the Office of the Special Prosecutor Act, 2017 (Act 959) unconstitutional.
Specifically, the challenge targets provisions that allow the OSP to prosecute corruption cases without prior authorization from the Attorney-General.
The situation intensified following an April 15 ruling by a High Court in Accra which declared such prosecutorial powers unlawful. The court further ordered the Attorney-General to take over all ongoing OSP cases and declared previous prosecutions by the office null and void.
Deputy Attorney-General, Justice Sai, has since confirmed that steps have been taken for the AG’s office to assume control of the cases.
However, the OSP has pushed back against the ruling, indicating that it contradicts an earlier High Court decision that stayed similar proceedings pending a final determination by the Supreme Court. The office has signaled its intention to challenge the orders through the appropriate legal channels.
The CSOs warned that these developments pose a serious threat to ongoing corruption prosecutions and could erode public trust in the justice system.
They maintained that calls for an independent public prosecutor in Ghana date back over two decades, arguing that the Attorney-General’s dual role as a political appointee creates potential conflicts of interest in prosecuting government officials.
According to the group, the establishment of the OSP under Act 959 was a significant step toward addressing these concerns and aligns with Ghana’s obligations under international frameworks such as the United Nations Convention against Corruption and the African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption.
The CSOs also defended the constitutionality of Act 959 and disclosed plans to support the case at the Supreme Court as amici curiae.
Describing the High Court ruling as inappropriate, the group insisted that the matter should be conclusively determined by the Supreme Court to avoid conflicting decisions.
They further called for renewed efforts to entrench the independence of a public prosecutor in Ghana’s Constitution as part of ongoing governance reforms.
The CSOs urged citizens to remain vigilant and actively demand accountability, stressing that Ghana cannot afford to reverse gains made in the fight against corruption.
