Mahama Speaks on Scrapping of Special Prosecutor’s Office: “Give Them a Little Time”
- President John Dramani Mahama has urged calm amid calls to scrap the Office of the Special Prosecutor
- Mahama also stressed the importance of strengthening institutions that promote transparency and good governance
- Some major political figures have argued in favour of scrapping the office, citing its perceived ineffectiveness
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President John Mahama has tempered calls to scrap the Office of the Special Prosecutor, describing such demands as premature and urging the public to allow the institution more time to deliver on its mandate.
His remarks on December 10 come as debate intensifies over the effectiveness of the office.
Source: Facebook
Speaking during a meeting with the National Peace Council, Mahama stressed that dismantling the Office of the Special Prosecutor at this stage would be hasty and counterproductive, noting the need to strengthen institutions that promote transparency and good governance.
He also appealed to the special prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng, to accelerate its investigations and improve the pace at which it works.
“I think it is premature to call for the scrapping of the Office of the Special Prosecutor. We should give them a little time, and I urge the office to speed up with its work."
Who wants the Special Prosecutor office scrapped?
The Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, has been among the voices calling for the abolition of the Office of the Special Prosecutor.
Ayariga argued that the Attorney-General’s Office should instead be empowered to prosecute corruption cases.
Sam Okudzeto, a former Ghana Bar Association president, also called for the scrapping, saying the office has failed to curb corruption and has not fulfilled its mandate since its establishment.
"Why was the institution set up? Has it achieved its purpose? That is exactly the issue I’m trying to drive here. He hasn’t achieved his purpose because the corruption is still on. I see it every day. Everywhere you turn, in every institution, you see it openly."
Special prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng under fire
The Office of the Special Prosecutor and its head, Kissi Agyebeng, have been under intense scrutiny for a variety of reasons.
Most recently, it faced criticism after detaining lawyer and activist Martin Kpebu on December 3.
Kpebu has reiterated his resolve to petition President John Mahama to remove Agyebeng from Office.
Agyebeng is currently facing three petitions for his removal, which the president has forwarded to the Chief Justice.
Source: Facebook
Kpebu has consistently criticised Agyebeng over his handling of the corruption-related investigation involving former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta.
Ofori-Atta is being investigated by the special prosecutor for five cases, including the state contract with Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited and the Ghana Revenue Authority, as well as procurement processes and financial transactions linked to the National Cathedral project.
Mike Ocquaye slams special prosecutor
YEN.com.gh reported that Aaron Mike Ocquaye, a former legislator and speaker of Parliament, criticised the special prosecutor over bail conditions imposed on Kpebu.
Professor Mike Oquaye described the bail requirement for landed property as a violation of suspects’ human rights.
The office said Kpebu was arrested after a confrontation at its Accra office, where he allegedly insulted the officers.
Proofreading by Samuel Gitonga, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.
Source: YEN.com.gh
