Ghana’s Anti-Corruption battle: SP outlines key reform areas

The Special Prosecutor, Mr. Kissi Agyebeng, has emphasized the need for constitutional reforms and a collective change in mindset to strengthen Ghana’s fight against corruption and state capture.

Speaking at the 5th Annual Constitution Day Public Lecture in Accra, Mr. Agyebeng advocated for the formal integration of the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) into the Constitution to ensure its independence and operational effectiveness.

The lecture, themed "A Few Good Men: Suppressing and Repressing Corruption and State Capture in Aid of Development," was organized by the UPSA Law School in partnership with the One Ghana Movement.

Legal Reforms and Challenges

Mr. Agyebeng criticized Section 79 of Act 959, describing it as ambiguous and overly complex, which hampers effective prosecution. He proposed the enactment of a Corrupt Practices Act to provide a clear and structured legal framework, define corruption, and close existing loopholes that enable individuals to evade accountability.

He also highlighted attempts to undermine the OSP, revealing that influential figures have called for its dissolution.

“We frequently hear calls—often from the highest levels—that the OSP should be scrapped because it serves no useful purpose,” he revealed, adding that there have been deliberate efforts to discredit the institution and its officials, particularly from those under investigation.

Despite these challenges, Mr. Agyebeng maintained that the OSP remains Ghana’s best hope in the fight against corruption, even if it is perceived as an "inconvenience" to certain powerful individuals.

Key Reforms for Strengthening Anti-Corruption Efforts

To reinforce the anti-corruption fight, he outlined several critical reforms:

• Unexplained Wealth Investigations & Lifestyle Audits: Extending scrutiny beyond public officials to include private individuals with suspicious wealth.
• Regulating Political Party Financing: Ensuring greater transparency in campaign funding and eliminating vote-buying.
• Specialized Anti-Corruption Courts: Training judges with expertise in handling corruption-related cases.
• Anti-Corruption Education: Introducing anti-corruption studies in schools to instill ethical values in future generations.

A National Mindset Shift is Key

Beyond legal reforms, Mr. Agyebeng stressed that tackling corruption requires a societal shift in attitudes, where national interest takes precedence over personal gain.

“Societal interest must always take precedence over personal gain,” he asserted.

The lecture was reviewed by Professor H. Kwesi Prempeh, Executive Director of CDD-Ghana and newly appointed Chair of the Constitution Review Committee. Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin also participated in evaluating the Special Prosecutor’s proposals.

With these reforms and a collective national effort, Mr. Agyebeng believes Ghana can take significant strides in curbing corruption and reinforcing the integrity of its institutions.