The New Patriotic Party (NPP) Minority Caucus in Parliament has accused the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) of orchestrating a sustained campaign to weaken and dismantle the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), following a recent High Court ruling that questioned the office’s prosecutorial powers.
Addressing the media on April 21, 2026, the Minority described the April 15 High Court decision as part of a “coordinated, multi-front effort” aimed at neutralising the anti-corruption body established to operate independently of executive control.
The caucus linked the ruling to a series of events dating back to December 2025, including the detention of private legal practitioner Martin Kpebu by the OSP, subsequent petitions for the removal of Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng, and an attempted repeal of the OSP Act in Parliament.
According to the Minority, the introduction of the Office of the Special Prosecutor (Repeal) Bill, 2025, by Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga and Majority Chief Whip Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor shortly after the incident signaled an initial legislative attempt to abolish the institution. The bill was later withdrawn following public backlash and intervention by President John Dramani Mahama.
The Minority further alleged that multiple petitions filed against the Special Prosecutor—reportedly up to 15—were part of a coordinated strategy to remove him from office. However, the petitions were dismissed after Paul Baffoe-Bonnie determined that none established a prima facie case.
Attention has also been drawn to an ongoing Supreme Court case challenging the constitutionality of the OSP’s prosecutorial mandate. The Minority criticised the Attorney-General for allegedly supporting arguments against the institution in court, describing the move as unprecedented.
The controversy intensified following the April 15 High Court ruling, which declared that the OSP lacks the authority to initiate prosecutions and directed the Attorney-General to take over its cases. The Minority argued that the ruling oversteps the jurisdiction of the High Court, insisting that only the Supreme Court has the authority to interpret constitutional matters.
Citing Article 130 of the 1992 Constitution, the caucus maintained that the OSP Act remains valid until the Supreme Court delivers a final determination on the matter.
The Minority has called for an immediate appeal of the High Court decision and urged the Supreme Court to expedite its ruling on the pending case. It also demanded that the Attorney-General be summoned before Parliament to explain his position.
Additionally, the caucus called on President Mahama to clarify his stance on the OSP, noting what it described as inconsistencies between his public statements and actions taken by his administration.
The Office of the Special Prosecutor was established under Act 959 to investigate and prosecute corruption-related offences independently of the executive. The Minority warned that any attempt to weaken the institution could undermine Ghana’s broader anti-corruption framework and accountability mechanisms.
Source :www.kumasimail.com
