The United Party (UP) has called for sweeping constitutional reforms to replace Ghana’s Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) with a fully independent Anti-Corruption Czar, citing structural weaknesses and legal contradictions that undermine the current office’s credibility and effectiveness.
The UP described the ongoing national discourse around the future of the OSP as a pivotal moment in Ghana’s fight against corruption.
In a statement, the party argued that the real challenge lies not in the existence of the OSP, but in its constitutional fragility, particularly its subordination to the Attorney-General under Article 88 of the 1992 Constitution.
“This means that no matter how well intentioned the OSP Act may be, the Office, as currently constituted, cannot enjoy true independence. It operates within a constitutional contradiction that weakens its authority, fuels institutional conflicts, exposes it to legal challenges, and undermines its credibility in the eyes of the public,” the statement issued by Solomon Owusu, Spokesperson and Director of Communication for the party, stated.
To address this, the UP is proposing a constitutional amendment that would establish a new, constitutionally-anchored anti-corruption office with original prosecutorial powers, entirely separate from the Attorney-General’s remit.
According to the party, only such an institution can command the legitimacy and insulation from political influence necessary to prosecute corruption “at the highest levels without fear or favour.”
“For this reason, the United Party calls for a patriotic and forward-looking constitutional amendment that will establish a truly independent Anti-Corruption Czar with full, original prosecutorial authority, separate from and not subordinate to the Attorney-General.
“This new constitutionally-anchored office will replace the current Special Prosecutor and will operate with clear powers, national legitimacy, and structural insulation from political influence. Only a constitutionally established anti-corruption institution can command the authority, confidence, and independence required to prosecute corruption at the highest levels without fear or favour.”
The party described the current landscape of statutes and agencies as fragmented and inconsistent, calling for the consolidation of all anti-corruption laws into a single, modern Anti-Corruption Act.
This proposed legislation, according to the UP, would define offences more clearly, strengthen sanctions, enhance asset recovery, codify lifestyle audits, and close loopholes that obstruct accountability.
The statement further emphasized the need to harmonize the mandates of existing investigative bodies such as EOCO, CHRAJ, and the Financial Intelligence Centre.
According to the UP, overlapping functions and poor coordination among these agencies have weakened the national anti-corruption effort; therefore, the creation of an integrated architecture would streamline investigations, improve intelligence sharing, and eliminate duplication.
“Ghana stands at a defining moment. We must choose between maintaining a fragmented and constitutionally weak system, or rising boldly to create a strong, coherent, patriotic anti-corruption framework.
“Ghana’s destiny demands courage, clarity, and conviction. The United Party stands ready to lead that charge not for political advantage, but for the integrity, progress, and future of our beloved nation,” said the UP, reaffirming its commitment to integrity and constitutional reform.
