President John Dramani Mahama has thrown his weight behind efforts to equip the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) with enhanced prosecutorial authority, even as legal questions surrounding the anti-corruption body’s mandate remain before the courts.
Speaking at the 2026 May Day celebrations in Koforidua on Thursday, President Mahama acknowledged the pending judicial processes but stressed that there is sufficient room within the law to strengthen the OSP for more effective operations.
“While some of the issues are pending appeal and Supreme Court interpretation, government believes that there is space for an effective Office of the Special Prosecutor with special powers of prosecution,” the President stated.
His comments come against the backdrop of a High Court ruling delivered on April 15, 2026, which held that the OSP lacks independent authority to prosecute criminal cases. The court ruled that such prosecutorial powers are constitutionally vested in the Attorney-General under Article 88 of the 1992 Constitution and directed that ongoing OSP cases be transferred to the Attorney-General’s Department.
The OSP has since appealed the decision and filed for a stay of execution, with the matter widely expected to reach the Supreme Court for final interpretation.
Established in 2017 (Act 959) under the Akufo-Addo administration, the OSP was designed as an independent body to investigate and prosecute corruption and related offences, particularly those involving public officials, while minimising political interference.