I'll not scrap the OSP but strengthen its work – Mahama

Former President John Dramani Mahama has promised to strengthen the work of the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) if re-elected as president.

This was in response to the question of whether he would scrap the OSP.

In his response, he stated there was no need to scrap that office since it would complement the existing anti-corruption agencies dealing with corruption and corruption-related activities.

Speaking at a media engagement with journalists in Accra on Sunday, July 7, Mahama emphasized his commitment to enhancing the OSP’s effectiveness.

The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) is a specialized, independent anti-corruption agency established by an act of the Parliament of Ghana to investigate and prosecute acts of corruption and corruption-related offenses.

It is also responsible for recovering the proceeds of corruption and taking steps to prevent it.

The OSP was established in 2018 and is considered the gold standard for independent anti-corruption efforts in Ghana, aligning with the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC). The vision of the office is to render corruption costly and unattractive in all its forms in the public and private sectors through sustained repression and suppression.

Its mission is to investigate and prosecute specific cases of alleged or suspected corruption and corruption-related offenses; recover the proceeds of corruption and corruption-related offenses; and take steps to prevent corruption.

When asked if a new NDC government would scrap the OSP, Mr. Mahama clarified that he was not dismissing his plans to provide additional measures and resources to bolster the office’s operations and ensure its success in combating corruption.

He also pledged to establish a value-for-money audit for contracts exceeding GH₵5 million. "We will set up an independent value-for-money office to scrutinize all government procurements above a $5 million threshold or as shall be recommended by Parliament."