Akufo-Addo glossing over corruption fight – IEA

The Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) has strongly criticised President Akufo-Addo for his handling of the escalating corruption levels in Ghana.

According to the IEA, the President’s lack of decisive action in combating corruption is alarming and concerning for all well-meaning Ghanaians.

Despite the existence of two Special Prosecutors, the IEA believes that the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) is hampered by restrictions imposed by the appointing authority.

Dr. John Kwakye, the Director of Research at the IEA, voiced these concerns during a press briefing held on Wednesday, April 3.

He rebuked President Akufo-Addo for failing to address corruption in his recent State of the Nation Address (SONA).

Dr. Kwakye also highlighted a significant flaw in the OSP Act, which mandates the Special Prosecutor to seek approval from the Attorney-General before initiating prosecutions.

He proposed that for the OSP to effectively combat corruption, the Act governing its operations should be amended to ensure independence from executive influence.

“Corruption is such an important issue in Ghana that it is inconceivable that the President would gloss over it. This Government established the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), ostensibly to act independently from the Attorney General (AG), who is inextricably linked to the Executive.

“However, the OSP Act was flawed ab initio to the extent that the Special Prosecutor (SP) is nominated by the AG and appointed by the President, the SP needs the approval of the AG to initiate prosecutions and the OSP is funded by the Executive. It is no wonder that the OSP, which has been occupied by two SPs so far, has been rendered toothless.”

“If the OSP is to be successful in fighting corruption, it would be important to re-enact its Act and remove it completely from the influence of the Executive, in terms of appointment, prosecution of cases and funding.”