Office of the Special Prosecutor: Ghana's premier anti-corruption agency

The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP)
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Stories and facts

The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) is a specialized independent anti-corruption agency established by an act of the Parliament of Ghana. Its primary mandate is to investigate and prosecute acts of corruption and related offenses, recover the proceeds of corruption, and implement measures to prevent corruption. As the foremost enforcer of Ghana's anti-corruption laws, the OSP is the only state agency authorized to carry out criminal prosecutions related to corruption.

Established in 2018 in line with the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC), the OSP is designed as Ghana's gold standard anti-corruption institution. It is tasked with investigating and prosecuting corruption in both public and private sectors, recovering illicit wealth, and preventing corruption. The OSP addresses the shortcomings of existing anti-corruption agencies through its comprehensive powers, which include investigative, prosecutorial, intelligence gathering, and surveillance capabilities.

The OSP derives its authority from the Office of the Special Prosecutor Act, 2017 (Act 959), and subsequent regulations. It operates independently, receiving referrals from Parliament, the Auditor-General, the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice, the Economic and Organized Crime Office, and other public institutions, as well as from private entities and individuals.

Objectives

The OSP's objectives are threefold:

  • Investigate and prosecute specific cases of alleged or suspected corruption.

  • Recover the proceeds of corruption.

  • Implement preventive measures against corruption.

Vision and Mission

The OSP's vision is to make corruption costly and unattractive in all its forms within Ghana's public and private sectors through sustained repression and suppression. Its mission aligns with its objectives, focusing on investigating and prosecuting corruption cases, recovering proceeds of corruption, and taking preventive steps.

Mandate

The OSP's mandate includes:

  • Investigating corruption involving public officers, senior political figures, government officials, judicial officials, military officials, executives of state-owned companies, and their associates.

  • Prosecuting corruption offenders with authority derived from the Attorney-General.

  • Recovering proceeds from corruption and related offenses.

  • Implementing preventive measures against corruption.

The OSP performs multiple roles, including police functions, national security and intelligence functions, and revenue generation.

Leadership and Governance

The OSP is governed by a body consisting of:

  • The Special Prosecutor

  • The Deputy Special Prosecutor

  • Representatives from the Audit Service, Ghana Police Service, Economic and Organized Crime Office, Financial Intelligence Centre, Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice, and National Security

  • A representative from Anti-Corruption Civil Society Organizations

From 2021, Kissi Agyebeng has served as the Special Prosecutor, following Martin Amidu's tenure from 2018 to 2020.

Divisions

The OSP comprises several divisions:

  • Investigations Division

  • Prosecutions Division

  • Assets Recovery & Management Division

  • Strategy, Research & Communication Division

  • Operations Division

  • Finance Division

  • Human Resource and Administration Division

Notable Cases

The OSP has been involved in several high-profile cases, including:

  • Cecilia Dapaah Case: Investigating suspected corruption involving large amounts of money and valuable items linked to the former Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources and her spouse.

  • Contracts for Sale Exposé: Filing charges against the former CEO of the Public Procurement Authority, Adjenim Boateng Adjei, for misuse of public office.

  • Wealthy Businessman Case: Investigating attempted bribery of the majority caucus of Parliament by a wealthy businessman, which was ultimately defeated due to a key witness's refusal to disclose the suspect's identity.

  • Northern Development Authority Case: Concluding investigations into corruption related to a contract for consultancy services under the Infrastructure for Poverty Eradication Programme (IPEP).

  • Juaben MCE Nominee Case: Charging the nominee for Chief Executive of Juaben Municipal Assembly, Alexander Kwabena Sarfo-Kantanka, with 26 counts of corruption related to a public election.

  • Charles Adu Boahen Case: Closing the investigation into allegations against the former Minister of State at the Ministry of Finance, with potential for reopening if further facts emerge.

  • Customs Division of Ghana Revenue Authority: Investigating suspected corruption in customs advance rulings and auction sales of vehicles and other goods.

The OSP continues to play a critical role in Ghana's fight against corruption, striving to create a transparent and accountable public sector.

 

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