The United Party (UP) has called for the consolidation of all Ghana’s anti-corruption laws into a single, modern Anti-Corruption Act. The new law, they say, should clearly define offences, strengthen sanctions, enhance asset recovery, codify lifestyle audits, and close loopholes that hinder accountability.
This call comes amid heated debates about the future of the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), with some voices pushing for its scrapping.
Solomon Owusu, UP’s Spokesperson and Director of Communication, said in a press release, “At a time when corruption continues to rob our nation of progress and weaken our democratic institutions, Ghana cannot afford reforms that diminish rather than strengthen our resolve to fight graft.”
He added, “The real challenge is not the existence of the Office of the Special Prosecutor but its structural and constitutional fragility. Under Article 88 of the 1992 Constitution, the Attorney-General remains the sole authority responsible for all criminal prosecutions. This means the OSP cannot enjoy true independence. It operates within a constitutional contradiction that weakens its authority and exposes it to legal challenges.”
Owusu stressed the need for a bold solution, “We call for a patriotic and forward-looking constitutional amendment to establish a truly independent Anti-Corruption Czar with full prosecutorial powers, separate from the Attorney-General. This office will replace the current Special Prosecutor and operate with clear powers, national legitimacy, and freedom from political influence.”
The UP also highlighted the fragmented legal framework: “Ghana’s existing laws related to corruption are inconsistent and scattered. Consolidating all anti-corruption laws into one clear Anti-Corruption Act will bring clarity, efficiency, and renewed vigour to our fight against corruption.”
The party went further to address the issue of multiple anti-corruption agencies.
“Currently, EOCO, CHRAJ, the Financial Intelligence Centre, and others have overlapping roles and poor coordination. This fragmentation undermines our national effort,” said Owusu.
He proposed “a harmonized, integrated national anti-corruption framework to align investigations, improve intelligence sharing, and ensure a unified strategy.”
The United Party concluded, “Ghana stands at a defining moment. We must choose between a weak fragmented system or a strong, coherent anti-corruption framework that reflects our democratic aspirations. We choose the latter and commit to leading this charge for the integrity and future of our nation.”
Owusu affirmed, “These reforms are not partisan; they are moral and constitutional necessities. Ghana’s destiny demands courage, clarity, and conviction.”
Source: www.Kumasimail.com
