OSP must resign now - Dema Naa declares

Correspondence from Northern Region

The North America Dema-Naa and Dagbon Youth Chief in the Diaspora, Naa Basha Iddrisu, has called for the immediate resignation of the Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng, following his public admission that he was unable to prevent former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta from leaving the country.

A statement issued by the traditional leader described the development as a “betrayal of the oath of office” and a “violation of public trust,” accusing the Special Prosecutor of compromising the integrity of the very institution established to fight corruption.

Naa Basha linked the Special Prosecutor’s failure to alleged political interference and influence from the highest levels of government.

"According to the Special Prosecutor's recent testimony and public remarks, he was unable to prevent the departure of Ken Ofori-Atta due to alleged political interference and influence from the highest office of the land - his own cousin, the sitting President of the Republic. This public admission represents a betrayal of his oath of office and a deep violation of the trust and confidence reposed in him by the Ghanaian people," the Dagbon Youth Chief in the Diaspora said.

The Dema Naa stated that the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) was established to restore public confidence and deter corruption, but its credibility has been weakened by Mr Agyebeng’s public admission.

"The office of the Special Prosecutor was created to restore integrity and deter corruption. The Special Prosecutor's failure and acceptance of it have gravely undermined the mission of the office. If he acknowledges his incapacity to act impartially and fulfill his constitutional duty because of family ties or political pressure, then resignation is the only honorable course," he said.

Naa Basha further recalled that the “Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL)” campaign, championed by the National Democratic Congress (NDC), was a key promise that resonated with voters during the last election, noting that the continuous stay in office by Mr Kiss Agyebeng will derail the ruling party’s efforts to fulfill its campaign pledge.

The Dagbon Youth Chief in the Diaspora emphasised that Ghana’s anti-corruption institutions must remain independent and free from partisan or familial influence.

"Ghana's anti-corruption institutions must not serve partisan or familial interests. The oath of office is a sacred covenant with the nation, not with individuals. It's time for accountability, not excuses."

He called on President Mahama to take immediate action to sack the OSP if he refuses to step aside.