OSP under threat from political interference — Kissi Agyebeng calls for constitutional protection

Special Prosecutor Warns Political Interference Threatens OSP Independence

The Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng, has cautioned that political interference continues to undermine the work of the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), describing the anti-corruption body as a frequent target for actors seeking to weaken its mandate.

Speaking at a national dialogue on the OSP’s focus on Tuesday, March 31, Mr. Agyebeng indicated that the survival of the office has, in part, depended on the support of President John Dramani Mahama.

He revealed that without such backing, the institution could have faced dissolution, noting reports that a bill prepared by the Parliamentary Majority aimed to scrap the office.

Mr. Agyebeng emphasized that many politicians view the OSP as a threat to their interests, leaving it vulnerable to sustained efforts to curtail its authority and operations.

Highlighting the need for public engagement, he stressed the importance of stronger support from citizens and civil society to safeguard the office’s independence.

The Special Prosecutor further argued that the OSP’s continued existence and effectiveness should not depend on the discretion or goodwill of any sitting President, but should instead be protected by firm constitutional guarantees to ensure autonomy and long-term stability.

“We must build this office for the ages,” he said, warning that future officeholders should focus on the core anti-corruption mandate rather than defending the institution’s very existence.