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One of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s key promises during the election was the appointment of a Special prosecutor. Even though the Bill faced some challenges, the president has assured the nation of the passage of the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) Bill when Parliament reconvenes in October.
Addressing a conference organised by Global Christian Lawyers, the President said corruption can no longer be defeated by mere words but rather concrete action. “The appointment of the Special Prosecutor will enhance accountability in public life”, the president said.
The Office of the Special Prosecutor Bill was withdrawn when it was first resented in July by the Majority after the Minority NDC raised issues of procedural defect.
A bill that comes to Parliament is required to be gazetted at least 14 days before it is laid. It is only when a bill comes under a certificate of urgency that the 14-day period is waived but the bill did not meet both criteria.
Some Ghanaians have accused the Minority NDC of sabotaging the Bill because of fear of being prosecuted. However, a member of the Minority on Parliament’s Legal Committee, Rockson Dafiamekpor told a reporter from Joy FM’s Newsnite that the NDC will support any initiative to address corruption.
“We have always been ready to back policies to fight corruption in the private and public sector,” Mr Dafiamekpor said, adding their initial opposition to the bill had to do with the procedure.
