Office of the Special Prosecutor

Also known as: OSP

Office of the Special Prosecutor — anti-corruption agency with constitutional prosecutorial authority, though subject to Attorney-General oversight and termination powers.

2026-04-242026-07-31

In coverage

Verbatim sentences from the source article.

May 2026
7 MayJoy Online
… The charges, filed by the Office of the Special Prosecutor in November 2025, include conspiracy to influence procurement processes and causing financial loss to the state. …
SML trial: High Court grants 6th accused Kwadwo Damoah leave to travel to London
7 MayThe Ghanaian Times
Fourteen civil society organisations, including CDD, IMANI and 12 other CSO’shave filed an application at the Supreme Court seeking permission to join a constitutional case challenging parts of the Office of the Special Prosecutor Act, 2017 (Act 959). …
CDD, IMANI and 12 CSOs seek to join Supreme Court case challenging OSP Act
7 MayJoy Online
Immediate past Attorney General Godfred Yeboah Dame has defended his relationship with the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), insisting he never interfered with the anti-corruption body’s work during his tenure. …
Never once did I interfere – Former AG Godfred Dame defends record with OSP
7 MayJoy Online
Immediate past Attorney General Godfred Yeboah Dame has strongly criticised moves by the current government which could weaken the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), describing the development as “shocking and perplexing.” Speaking on PM Express on Wednesday with host Evans …
Shocking and perplexing – Godfred Dame slams gov’t attempts to weaken OSP
6 MayDaily Guide
… Zechariah Langnel (seated, middle) flanked by participants Stakeholders have called for the strengthening of the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) to enable it effectively lead the fight against corruption in the country. …
Strengthen OSP To Fight Corruption – CDD-Ghana
6 MayJoy Online
Fourteen civil society organisations have asked the Supreme Court to allow them to join a case challenging the constitutionality of Ghana’s anti-corruption framework law, the Office of the Special Prosecutor Act, 2017 (Act 959), in what they describe as a matter of major public i …
CDD, IMANI, 12 other CSOs file to join Supreme Court case challenging OSP Act
5 MayThe Chronicle
… Only a few weeks ago, The Chronicle took a firm and unapologetic stance against attempts by elements within the political class to dismantle the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP). …
Editorial: John Mahama’s Stance On The OSP Is Laudable
4 MayJoy Online
The intense scrutiny aimed at the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) in recent times is disconcerting. …
Fate of OSP, future of anti-corruption mandate

Politics

Supreme Court affirms AG authority over OSP prosecutions

The News

Lawyer Martin Kpebu has welcomed the Supreme Court's ruling that the Attorney-General retains authority to discontinue prosecutions initiated by the Office of the Special Prosecutor, describing it as a constitutional safeguard that will check the anti-corruption agency's power. Kpebu explained that the ruling confirms the OSP exercises prosecutorial powers on behalf of the Attorney-General, who alone holds constitutional authority to prosecute criminal cases.

23 hours ago · Joy Online →

Yesterday

Supreme Court affirms AG authority over OSP prosecutions
Lawyer Martin Kpebu has welcomed the Supreme Court's ruling that the Attorney-General retains authority to discontinue prosecutions initiated by the Office of the Special Prosecutor, describing it as a constitutional safeguard that will check the anti-corruption agency's power. Kpebu explained that the ruling confirms the OSP exercises prosecutorial powers on behalf of the Attorney-General, who alone holds constitutional authority to prosecute criminal cases.
23 hours ago · Joy Online →
Supreme Court affirms OSP prosecutorial powers but preserves AG oversight
Ghana's Supreme Court has unanimously ruled that the Office of the Special Prosecutor Act is constitutional and valid, confirming the OSP's prosecutorial authority. However, the court also held that the Attorney-General retains constitutional power to discontinue prosecutions initiated by the OSP.
30 July 2026 · The Chronicle →

Wednesday 29 July

Supreme Court case may enable Mahama to seek third presidential term
A Supreme Court case (Kenneth Kwabena Agyei Kuranchie v The Attorney-General) seeks to interpret Article 66(2) of the 1992 Constitution on whether a president defeated after one term can serve two consecutive terms upon subsequent election—a provision that would effectively allow President Mahama, sworn in again on 7 January 2025, to seek a third term. The plaintiff has denied the action is aimed at securing a third term for Mahama, though the case's substance would open that possibility.
29 July 2026 · Joy Online →
Supreme Court affirms Attorney General's supervisory authority over OSP
The Supreme Court's unanimous ruling has established that the Attorney General retains supervisory authority over the Office of the Special Prosecutor and can intervene to prevent abuse of prosecutorial powers, according to legal practitioner Martin Kpebu. The judgment clarifies that prosecutorial powers are exercised under the constitutional authority of the Attorney General.
29 July 2026 · Joy Online →
Supreme Court ruling does not invalidate OSP's past actions
A private legal practitioner has clarified that the Supreme Court's unanimous dismissal of a constitutional challenge to the Office of the Special Prosecutor's prosecutorial powers does not invalidate any of the anti-graft body's past actions or court proceedings. The ruling affirms that the Attorney General retains exclusive authority to prosecute criminal offences, while the OSP may exercise prosecutorial powers with necessary authorisation.
29 July 2026 · Joy Online →
Supreme Court ruling preserves AG's prosecutorial oversight of OSP
The Supreme Court unanimously dismissed a constitutional challenge to the Office of the Special Prosecutor's powers, preserving the Attorney General's constitutional authority over prosecutions. Barker-Vormawor says the ruling underscores the need for constitutional reforms to grant the OSP fuller independence, though it should not be seen as a setback for anti-corruption efforts.
29 July 2026 · Joy Online →
Mpraeso MP welcomes Supreme Court ruling on OSP and AG powers
Davis Ansah Opoku, MP for Mpraeso, has welcomed the Supreme Court's affirmation of the constitutional roles of the Office of the Special Prosecutor and the Attorney-General, describing it as strengthening Ghana's governance architecture. He stressed that the OSP has a critical anti-corruption role while the Attorney-General must exercise constitutional powers responsibly, and called for public scrutiny of the AG's power of nolle prosequi as an indicator of government commitment to fighting corruption.
29 July 2026 · Joy Online →
Supreme Court affirms OSP independent prosecution power, AG retains termination authority
Ghana's Supreme Court has ruled that the Office of the Special Prosecutor can independently investigate and prosecute corruption offences, but the Attorney-General retains constitutional power to discontinue such prosecutions through nolle prosequi. The seven-member panel rejected a challenge to the Office of the Special Prosecutor Act 2017, which grants the agency prosecutorial authority without prior Attorney-General approval.
29 July 2026 · Joy Online →
Supreme Court affirms OSP's constitutional validity
The Supreme Court unanimously upheld the Office of the Special Prosecutor Act, 2017, as consistent with the 1992 Constitution, while ruling that the Attorney-General retains constitutional power to discontinue OSP prosecutions.
29 July 2026 · Joy Online →

Sunday 26 July

Deputy AG says Parliament cannot transfer prosecutorial powers by law
Deputy Attorney-General Dr Justice Srem-Sai has maintained that Parliament cannot transfer the Attorney-General's constitutionally mandated prosecutorial powers to the Office of the Special Prosecutor through ordinary legislation, arguing that only the person to whom the Constitution grants authority can delegate it.
26 July 2026 · Joy Online →
Ghana must amend constitution for independent prosecutorial authority
Deputy Attorney-General Dr Justice Srem-Sai argues that Ghana cannot establish an independent prosecutorial authority or give the Office of the Special Prosecutor independent prosecutorial powers without amending Article 88 of the 1992 Constitution, which vests prosecutorial authority in the Attorney-General.
26 July 2026 · Joy Online →
High Court correctly ruled OSP Act cannot override Constitution
Deputy Attorney-General Dr Justice Srem-Sai defended the High Court's ruling that the Office of the Special Prosecutor Act, as ordinary legislation, cannot alter constitutional powers vested in the Attorney-General under Article 88 of the 1992 Constitution. He stated that only formal constitutional amendment procedures can change constitutional provisions, not ordinary parliamentary acts.
26 July 2026 · Joy Online →
Deputy AG: OSP established via ordinary legislation, not constitutional change
Deputy Attorney-General Dr Justice Srem-Sai has stated that the Office of the Special Prosecutor was established through ordinary legislation under Article 106 of the 1992 Constitution, not a constitutional amendment, and that the OSP Act cannot alter the constitutional powers of the Attorney-General or create an independent prosecutorial authority outside the Constitution's framework.
26 July 2026 · Joy Online →

Saturday 25 July

OSP not solely responsible for Ofori-Atta extradition challenges
Professor Kwadwo Appiagyei Atua argues that responsibility for difficulties in securing the return of former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta should extend beyond the Office of the Special Prosecutor to include the Attorney-General's Office and Ghana's security agencies. He also contends that Ofori-Atta did not leave Ghana unlawfully, as he had received permission to travel for medical reasons.
25 July 2026 · Joy Online →
Atta Akyea calls for voluntary return of Ofori-Atta from US
Samuel Atta Akyea, lead counsel for the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the NPP, has urged authorities to allow former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta to return to Ghana voluntarily rather than pursuing extradition, arguing that complex extradition proceedings should not be used to compel his return.
25 July 2026 · Joy Online →

Friday 24 July

High Court convicts NPP Ashanti Chairman Wontumi for illegal mining
The High Court convicted NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi-Boasiako (Chairman Wontumi) over illegal mining activities linked to Akonta Mining and sentenced him to 20 years' imprisonment. The government says the verdict demonstrates no one is above the law, while the opposition argues it is politically tainted and has vowed to appeal.
24 July 2026 · Joy Online →
Wontumi convicted of illegal mining; Ofori-Atta wins US immigration case
The High Court convicted NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi-Boasiako (Chairman Wontumi) of illegal mining and sentenced him to 20 years' imprisonment, with government calling it evidence that no one is above the law and opposition calling it politically tainted. A United States immigration court found that the Office of the Special Prosecutor failed to provide sufficiently credible evidence in proceedings involving former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, though the OSP rejected suggestions that its case has collapsed.
24 July 2026 · Joy Online →

Thursday 23 July

Auditor-General exposes NPA fuel marking failures and revenue loss
An Auditor-General Performance Audit Report found that approximately 87 million litres of petrol were distributed without undergoing mandatory petroleum marking, resulting in an estimated GH¢78.6 million loss to the Unified Petroleum Pricing Fund and raising concerns about possible tax revenue losses. The report highlights serious weaknesses in Ghana's petroleum quality assurance regime, with implications for consumer safety, revenue mobilisation, and regulatory oversight.
23 July 2026 · The Chronicle →

Wednesday 22 July

US immigration judge grants Ofori-Atta status; Ghana case evidentiary standards diverge
A United States Immigration Judge in Virginia granted former Ghana Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta's application for adjustment of status, finding insufficient evidentiary foundation in the Department of Homeland Security's opposition, which cited criminal charges filed in Ghana concerning the Strategic Mobilisation Limited contract. The ruling highlights differing standards between US immigration adjudication and Ghanaian criminal prosecution.
22 July 2026 · Joy Online →

Tuesday 21 July

US immigration judge's ruling on Ofori-Atta does not prevent extradition
A US immigration judge granted former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta permanent residency, finding insufficient evidence from Ghana's Office of the Special Prosecutor to support opposition to his application. According to immigration lawyer Jonelle Ocloo, the ruling concerns only his immigration status and does not prevent Ghana from pursuing extradition, though American courts would require compelling evidence.
21 July 2026 · Joy Online →
OSP clarifies Ofori-Atta remains wanted despite US immigration proceedings
The Office of the Special Prosecutor has stated that former Finance Minister Kenneth Nana Yaw Ofori-Atta remains subject to criminal proceedings in Ghana and is still wanted under a valid High Court arrest warrant, rejecting interpretations of a US immigration court transcript suggesting he has not been credibly charged. The OSP noted it is not involved in his US immigration proceedings but only in extradition matters being handled through Ghana's Attorney-General, and that the credibility of charges against him is for Ghanaian courts to determine.
21 July 2026 · The Ghanaian Times →
OSP says Ofori-Atta remains fugitive despite US court ruling
The Office of the Special Prosecutor has maintained that former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta remains a fugitive from justice in Ghana, stating that a recent US immigration court ruling approving his permanent residency application has no bearing on pending criminal charges against him in Ghanaian courts.
21 July 2026 · Joy Online →
US Immigration Judge rejects OSP allegations against Ofori-Atta
A US Immigration Judge ruled that Ghana's Office of the Special Prosecutor failed to provide credible evidence linking former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta to criminal wrongdoing, describing the OSP's affidavit as containing "conclusory allegations" without sufficient facts to establish criminal conduct.
21 July 2026 · Joy Online →
US immigration court grants Ken Ofori-Atta status adjustment
A certified transcript from a June 15, 2026 hearing at Annandale Immigration Court shows that Immigration Judge David Gardey granted former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta's application for adjustment of status after examining allegations brought by Ghana's Office of the Special Prosecutor and assessing evidence from both sides.
21 July 2026 · Joy Online →
US immigration judge cites Interpol cancellation in Ofori-Atta ruling
A US immigration judge has rejected claims of criminal wrongdoing against former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, citing Interpol's cancellation of a red notice against him and stating the allegations lack sufficient evidence. The judge noted Interpol's review described the matter as "predominantly political" and questioned why the US had not pursued extradition.
21 July 2026 · Joy Online →
US immigration judge finds OSP lacked evidence against Ofori-Atta
A United States immigration judge ruled on June 15, 2026, that Ghana's Office of the Special Prosecutor failed to provide persuasive evidence that former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta committed criminal wrongdoing, citing lack of convincing proof in the OSP's affidavit and finding the former minister's testimony credible.
21 July 2026 · Joy Online →

Friday 17 July

Mahama says appointees face same accountability standards as predecessors
President Mahama declared that members of his administration will face the same anti-corruption measures as officials from previous governments if credible evidence of wrongdoing is established, saying investigations and prosecutions will be driven by evidence rather than political considerations.
17 July 2026 · Joy Online →
Mahama pledges impartial accountability for appointees
President John Dramani Mahama has declared that members of his administration will face the same anti-corruption measures as officials from previous governments if credible evidence of wrongdoing is established, and that investigations and prosecutions will be driven by evidence rather than political considerations.
17 July 2026 · Joy Online →
Mahama says accountability drive grounded in evidence, not vendetta
President Mahama has stated that his administration's investigations and prosecutions are motivated by the rule of law rather than political vendetta, and that he derives no satisfaction from prosecuting individuals who have committed no offence. He stressed that Ghana's prosecutorial, investigative and judicial systems provide adequate safeguards to ensure justice is served and that no individual should fear persecution on political grounds if they have acted within the law.
17 July 2026 · Joy Online →
Mahama insists accountability drive grounded in evidence, not vendetta
President Mahama has stated that his administration's investigations and prosecutions are intended to uphold the rule of law rather than target political opponents, and that he derives no satisfaction from prosecuting individuals who have committed no offence. He stressed that Ghana's prosecutorial, investigative and judicial institutions provide safeguards to ensure justice is served.
17 July 2026 · Joy Online →