The Special Prosecutor

ABOUT US

The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) was established in 2018 as the gold standard and flagship specialised independent anti-corruption institution in Ghana, in pursuance of the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC).

The OSP has the object of investigating and prosecuting specific cases of alleged or suspected corruption and corruption-related offences in the public and private sectors, recovering the proceeds of such acts by disgorging illicit and unexplained wealth and taking steps to prevent corruption.

The specialised attribute of the OSP particularly lies in its fortification with the cure of the inadequacies of the existing anti-corruption agencies by being designed as a comprehensive anti-graft agency with investigative, prosecutorial, intelligence gathering, surveillance, and counter-surveillance, police, national security, and revenue-generating powers.

The OSP derives its powers mainly from the Office of the Special Prosecutor Act, 2017 (Act 959), Office of the Special Prosecutor Regulations, 2018 (L.I. 2373), Office of the Special Prosecutor (Operations) Regulations, 2018 (L.I. 2374), and other laws bearing on the suppression and repression of corruption.

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NEWS AND PRESS RELEASES



News Item
Supreme Court dismisses challenge to OSP’s Constitutionality

The Supreme Court has dismissed a lawsuit filed by  Editor-in-Chief of the Daily Searchlight Newspaper, Kenneth Kwabena Agyei Kuranchie, challenging …

News Item
We must not tire of discussing corruption - OSP

The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has underscored the importance of continuous dialogue and public engagement in tackling corruption.

Press Release
Cecilia Abena Dapaah Update (7)

Good morning members of the media. I warmly welcome you again to the Office of the Special Prosecutor. One of the contemporary legal problems that co…

FAQs

1What is the Office of the Special Prosecutor ?

The Office of the Special Prosecutor is an autonomous specialised State anti-corruption agency created to investigate and prosecute corruption and corruption-related cases involving public officials, politically exposed persons and private individuals. The Office also has the mandate of taking steps to prevent corruption and recovering assets and disgorging ill-gotten property from corruption and corruption-related cases.

2When was the Office of the Special Prosecutor created?

The Office of the Special Prosecutor was established in 2018 under the Office of the Special Prosecutor Act, 2017 (Act 959) with the object of comprehensively leading the fight against corruption in Ghana.

3Is the Office of the Special Prosecutor independent?

Yes, the Office operates independently of executive control and the traditional prosecutorial chain of command to ensure impartiality and the avoidance of conflict of interest.

4What types of cases does the Office of the Special Prosecutor handle?

The Office is mandated to investigate and prosecute corruption and corruption-related cases in both the public and private sectors.

5Can anyone report a case to the Office of the Special Prosecutor?

Yes, the Office  encourages individuals and organisations to report cases of corruption and corruption-related offences. There are mechanisms in place to receive and assess complaints either named or anonymously. The Office assures witness, whistleblower and confidential informant  protection.

6What is the difference between the OSP and the A.G /Ministry of Justice

The AG/MoJ is the principal legal adviser to the Government. It is responsible for the initiation and conduct of all prosecutions of criminal offences, with the exception that the OSP’s prosecutorial power, though derived from that of the AG/MoJ, is secured by law and it is exercised without specific reference to the AG/MoJ.