Mahama Signals Tougher Anti-Corruption Push Despite Legal Challenges

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President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening Ghana’s anti-corruption framework, insisting that ongoing legal disputes surrounding the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) should not undermine efforts to ensure accountability in public life.
Speaking at the 2026 May Day celebrations held at Jackson Park in Koforidua on Friday, the President stated that despite pending legal challenges before the Supreme Court, there remains a solid constitutional basis for maintaining a strong and effective Special Prosecutor institution.
“Recently, there have been legal disputes about the constitutionality of the Office of the Special Prosecutor,” he said. “While some of the issues are pending appeal and Supreme Court interpretation, the government believes there is space for an effective Office of the Special Prosecutor with special powers of prosecution.”
President Mahama disclosed that the government, through the Attorney-General, has already submitted a bill to Parliament seeking to establish regional tribunals. The move, he explained, is aimed at improving the efficiency of the justice system and accelerating the prosecution of cases.
According to him, the proposed tribunals will decentralise the judicial process and help fast-track complex cases, particularly those related to corruption, which often experience delays under the current court structure.
“This will help to speed up the system of justice,” he added.
The President’s remarks come amid ongoing debate over the scope of the OSP’s mandate. Established under the Office of the Special Prosecutor Act, 2017 (Act 959), the office is tasked with investigating and prosecuting corruption-related offences.
However, questions persist over whether its prosecutorial authority operates independently or is ultimately derived from the Attorney-General, as outlined in Article 88 of the Constitution.
Legal analysts note that the core issue lies in reconciling Act 959 with constitutional provisions, particularly whether Parliament can vest prosecutorial powers in an independent body outside the direct control of the Attorney-General.
Despite these concerns, President Mahama emphasised that his administration remains focused on strengthening institutions to enhance justice delivery and restore public confidence in the fight against corruption.