The General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party, Justin Frimpong Kodua, has questioned the decision to seek judicial interpretation in the ongoing dispute between the Attorney-General and the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP).
Speaking on Ekosii Sen on Asempa FM, Mr Kodua argued that the matter could have been resolved administratively through an executive instrument rather than resorting to the courts.
He expressed surprise at the recent Accra High Court ruling, which held that the OSP does not have independent prosecutorial powers and must refer cases to the Attorney-General’s Department.
According to him, the law establishing the OSP already anticipates collaboration with the Attorney-General in certain instances and does not render the anti-corruption body ineffective.
Mr Kodua further alleged that elements within the National Democratic Congress (NDC) are opposed to the existence of the OSP, despite earlier endorsements, and warned that efforts to weaken the institution could undermine the fight against corruption.
He maintained that the OSP should be allowed to operate effectively, stressing that many Ghanaians expect the institution to play a key role in tackling corruption.
“I’m surprised by the ruling. The Act clearly states that there are instances where the Office of the Special Prosecutor will need assistance from the Attorney-General. Is it wrong to establish an office specifically to address corruption cases? The Attorney-General could have issued an executive instrument to amend the Act rather than pursuing legal action in court.
“Within government, there are attempts to weaken the OSP, despite President John Dramani Mahama’s endorsement of it. We are aware that the NDC does not support the OSP, and their strategy involves using the courts. All of these developments are concerning for Ghana. This is not what the law stipulates. Many Ghanaians oppose the government’s actions, and the OSP should be allowed to carry out its work,” he said.
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