In an exclusive interview, the Special Prosecutor, Mr. Kissi Agyebeng, has laid bare his vision for tackling corruption and the Office of the Special Prosecutor’s (OSP) critical role in this fight.
Mr. Kissi Agyebeng emphasized that the role of OSP goes beyond courtroom battles.
“It is not just a prosecutorial body,” he asserted, “but also a law enforcement Agency with full police powers.”
This multi-layered approach, in his view, helps tackle corruption not just reactively, but proactively, with investigations and intelligence gathering playing a crucial role.
The Special Prosecutor made these revelations in an interview with host, Benard Avle on The Point of View Show on Citi TV.
Stressing the independence of the OSP, he acknowledged the power vested in the Attorney General but underscored the OSP’s autonomous mandate.
“It is not for the Attorney General to say you can initiate prosecution or not,” he stated, quoting the OSP Act 959.
This collaborative yet distinct approach aims to maximize effectiveness within the existing legal framework.
When quizzed about the recent press conference which was organised by the Office, and the remarks made about the Judiciary, the Special Prosecutor indicated that he wasn’t attacking the Judiciary.
He said, “I was sounding an alarm.”
He emphasized the need for critical self-assessment in the fight against corruption, drawing attention to potential roadblocks like overreliance on injunctions.
“We will be defeating ourselves,” he warned, “if we go on the tangent of granting injunctions against OSP investigations.”
While acknowledging his passionate delivery at the presser, the Special Prosecutor rejected accusations of frustration and anger.
“Maybe my demeanour suggested some frustration,” he conceded, “but you don’t deliver sombre news with a smiling face.”
His intent, he clarified, was to be a “gong-gong beater sounding an alarm.”
The Special Prosecutor’s statements in the interview, as well as his previous presser, were clear — to guide the minds of all Ghanaians regarding our current position in the fight against corruption. He emphasized what we are doing, how we should restructure, and the need to reverse negatives while highlighting positives to set us on the right path. He firmly believes in the potential of this country, in the power of the law, and in the capacity of Ghanaians to build a brighter future.
“The courts are alert, ready to do justice and wouldn’t allow anyone to engage in impunity,” he concluded, expressing confidence in the judicial system.
The Special Prosecutor’s interview serves not merely as insight into the OSP’s operations but also as a call to action for all Ghanaians. It underscores that combating corruption demands not only legal enforcement but also public vigilance, collaboration, and a collective commitment to justice.
One thing is clear: The Office of the Special Prosecutor is a symbol of hope in the ongoing fight against corruption. The Special Prosecutor’s words serve as a reminder that the choice lies with us all—to heed the call and forge a brighter future or to remain complacent and risk losing the fight against corruption.
