The Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has backed President John Dramani Mahama’s position that it is premature to scrap the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), even as he questioned the constitutional basis of the institution.
Speaking during an interview on Channel One TV’s The Point of View with Bernard Avle on Wednesday, December 24, Mr. Iddrisu said he agrees with the President’s stance that the OSP should not be abolished at this stage.
“Absolutely. That is not to say I agree with the constitutionality of the OSP,” he said when asked whether he supports the President’s position.
Mr. Iddrisu added that the authority to determine the fate of the Office ultimately rests with the President, whom he described as fully empowered under the Constitution.
“President Mahama is in full control as the Head of State, Leader of Government and Commander-in-Chief,” he stated.
Mr. Iddrisu believes the ongoing debate highlights the need for caution, stressing that decisions on the future of the OSP must be carefully considered to avoid weakening Ghana’s anti-corruption architecture.
His comments follow the introduction of a Private Member’s Bill in Parliament by the Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, and the Member of Parliament for South Dayi, Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, seeking to repeal the Office of the Special Prosecutor Act and effectively abolish the OSP.
The bill sparked public debate and prompted a response from President Mahama, who indicated that while concerns about the OSP may be valid, it would be premature to scrap the institution outright.
The President’s response suggested a preference for further evaluation and possible reforms rather than immediate dissolution.
The Office of the Special Prosecutor was established in 2017 to investigate and prosecute corruption and corruption-related offences, particularly involving public officers and politically exposed persons.
Since its creation, the OSP has faced persistent criticism over its effectiveness, independence, and constitutional grounding, alongside calls for its reform or abolition.