The Director of Research, Communications and Strategy at the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), Sammy Darko, has told investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni that he cannot perform the duties of the Special Prosecutor better than the current officeholder, Kissi Agyebeng.
Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, December 6, Mr Darko responded to criticisms and petitions raised by Manasseh, particularly concerning an investigation into Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML).
“What I think Manasseh is not getting is because he wants the OSP to host the trial in the open, but we have consistently stated this is a very sensitive case that has taken us almost two years to complete. These are not things we can put out there. SML lawyers are listening; every time they are sponsoring things in the media, they are paying attention to some of these matters,” he said.
He defended the OSP’s public claims, including the figure of $2.7 billion cited in the SML case, explaining the rationale behind it.
“In criminal investigations and trials, there are certain things you can’t just be talking about, but we were putting out the figure of 2.7 billion to say that even if the contract had continued, they were going to earn more. So that’s about that one,” Darko added.
Addressing Manasseh’s assertions about the timing of the OSP’s investigation, he said: “I don’t know how difficult it is, and the other one is, I’ve been wondering what it is that Manasseh is seeking. You’ve brought an investigative report, and we have taken the work and acted—with eight people, including Ken Ofori-Atta and others charged. Now your predicament is that we started the investigation late, and you have given a date and claim to have a diary of action, which I cannot confirm or deny. But one thing is clear: he can’t do the job better than the Special Prosecutor.”
Mr Darko emphasised that the OSP’s work is guided by law and institutional procedures, not external pressures.
“The OSP is structured to handle these matters professionally, and there is a process in place. Constructive feedback is welcome, but it must recognise the limits of individual capability versus the office’s statutory authority,” he said.
