Former Member of Parliament’s Constitutional and Legal Committee, Inusah Fusieni, has strongly refuted attempts by critics to diminish the significance of the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) in the battle against corruption.
He emphasized that the OSP holds a distinct mandate focused on combating corruption and related offenses. He dismissed any debate questioning the utility of the office, asserting that its relatively recent establishment necessitates time to learn and grow from handling various cases.
He also contended that providing ample space for the office to function will ultimately result in significant benefits.
“We are learning a useful lesson from Martin Amidu, we are learning a useful lesson from Kissi Agyebeng and I think that somehow we have come to accept that the office has been weaponised, and I don’t think it will be in the interest of any political party to scrap that office,” he said on December 12, 2023.
Mr. Fuseini added that even though both past and present Special Prosecutors have not successfully prosecuted anyone for corrupt practices, the mere existence of the office can act as a deterrent, making individuals think twice before engaging in corrupt activities.
“Clearly, people know that the office exists, and even if they are not having prosecution, the fact that you can be sent to the Special Prosecutor’s office is enough deterrence and the periodic information given to the public on the number of cases being handled by the Special Prosecutor also goes some way in dealing with the issue of corruption,” he added.
The former MP for Tamale Central stated that the primary focus should be on finding ways to empower the office and enhance its effectiveness and relevance.
In response to criticisms regarding the OSP’s failure to secure a successful prosecution since its inception, he expressed dissatisfaction, emphasizing that it is not satisfactory, especially considering the significant investment made in establishing the office.
“The fact that we have not convicted even a single soul under that office of the special prosecutor is enough to worry,” he said.
Meanwhile, during parliamentary proceedings on Tuesday, December 12, the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, declared that the law establishing the OSP was essentially ineffective.
Speaking during the consideration of the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill 2021, he emphasized his belief that the Office would not yield any significant results in the fight against corruption.
Source: Ghana360news.com
