Stakeholders push for stronger anti-corruption framework at CDD dialogue in Kumasi

Key stakeholders convened in Kumasi for a high-level dialogue aimed at strengthening the country’s anti-corruption framework, with a sharp focus on the role of the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP).

The forum, organised by CDD-Ghana in collaboration with the OSP, brought together civil society actors, policymakers, traditional leaders, media practitioners, and development partners.

The event took place at True Vine Hotel. Participants engaged in extensive discussions on enhancing accountability institutions and promoting greater citizen participation in anti-corruption reforms.

Central to the dialogue was the need to deepen understanding of the OSP’s operational framework, identify gaps in existing laws, and build consensus on reforms to improve the office’s effectiveness and independence.

A major highlight of the event was the review and validation of findings from an eight-year assessment of the OSP conducted by CDD-Ghana.

Stakeholders examined the report to ensure it reflects diverse perspectives and supports evidence-based policy recommendations aimed at strengthening the institution’s mandate and performance.

The dialogue forms part of broader efforts under the Participation, Accountability and Integrity for a Resilient Democracy (PAIReD) programme, an initiative commissioned by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development.

The programme is co-funded by the European Union and the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs, and implemented by GIZ in partnership with Ghana’s Ministry of Finance.

Speaking at the forum, Dr. Zechariah Langnel highlighted both the progress and challenges facing the OSP.

He acknowledged that the establishment of the office marked a significant step in Ghana’s anti-corruption efforts but argued that its current legal and institutional framework limits its independence.

According to him, the OSP, though established by an Act of Parliament is not constitutionally entrenched, making it vulnerable to potential dissolution by future governments.

He also pointed to persistent funding and capacity constraints, noting that despite improvements since 2023, the office still lacks sufficient investigators and research personnel.

Dr. Langnel further raised concerns about the OSP’s prosecutorial authority, explaining that Article 88 of the Constitution vests such powers in the Attorney General.

This, he said, restricts the OSP’s operational autonomy, particularly as it must seek authorisation before initiating certain investigations.

On performance, he revealed that the OSP has handled 67 cases since 2023, recovered approximately GH¢35 million, prevented more than GH¢7.1 billion in fraudulent transactions, and secured seven convictions, all through plea bargaining.

He described these achievements as notable, given the institution’s limited resources and relatively short period of operation.

Despite these gains, Dr. Langnel cautioned that corruption remains widespread in Ghana, citing findings from Transparency International and Afrobarometer, which continue to indicate high levels of perceived corruption.

He emphasised that the OSP alone cannot eliminate corruption and called for stronger collaboration among state institutions and increased public support.

He also criticised the sole-sourcing provision in public procurement as a major avenue for corruption and urged reforms to address it.

Additionally, he expressed concern over the use of plea bargaining in corruption cases, warning that it could weaken deterrence and undermine accountability.

Organisers say the Kumasi dialogue represents a significant step toward fostering collaboration among key actors and generating actionable recommendations to enhance the effectiveness of the OSP in tackling corruption in Ghana.