Editorial: John Mahama’s Stance On The OSP Is Laudable

Ghana’s fight against corruption has always been a test, not just of laws and institutions, but of leadership. In recent weeks, that test has once again come into sharp focus and this time, the signals from the very top are encouraging.

Only a few weeks ago, The Chronicle took a firm and unapologetic stance against attempts by elements within the political class to dismantle the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP). We argued then that any move to weaken or abolish the OSP was not only misguided, but deeply troubling, as it struck at the heart of accountability in public life.

Today, we return to the subject but with a different tone. This time, it is to commend President John Dramani Mahama for demonstrating the kind of leadership Ghana needs at this critical moment.

Speaking at the 2026 May Day celebrations in Koforidua, President Mahama made it clear that while legal questions surrounding the OSP’s prosecutorial powers are rightly before the courts, there remains ample room to strengthen the institution. His call for an “effective Office of the Special Prosecutor with special powers of prosecution” is not just a policy position, it is a statement of intent.

It is also a refreshing departure from the troubling posture adopted by some within the political establishment, who have either openly or subtly sought to clip the wings of the very institution designed to hold them accountable.

The President’s intervention must be seen in the context of the ongoing legal tussle over whether the OSP has the authority to independently prosecute corruption-related offences. A recent High Court ruling cast doubt on that authority, asserting that such powers are constitutionally vested in the Attorney-General. The matter now awaits final determination by the Supreme Court and even though the President has no say in the decision by the court, his comments alone is very commendable.

Yet, even as the judiciary performs its constitutional role, the executive has a responsibility to set the tone and President Mahama has done precisely that. By acknowledging the legal process while simultaneously affirming the need to empower the OSP, he has struck the right balance between respect for the rule of law and commitment to institutional effectiveness.

This is what leadership looks like.In mature democracies, anti-corruption bodies are not treated as inconveniences to be discarded when they become uncomfortable. They are strengthened, protected and insulated from political interference. That is because corruption is not a partisan issue but a national crisis. Countries that have made meaningful progress in combating corruption have done so by empowering independent institutions with the authority and autonomy to act without fear or favour.

So why should Ghana be any different?The earlier attempt by the NDC majority in Parliament to abolish the OSP in 2025, an effort that was halted only through presidential intervention, remains a stain on our democratic conscience.

It exposed a worrying willingness among some politicians to undermine accountability mechanisms for short-term convenience. That episode should not be forgotten, but neither should it define the future.

What matters now is the direction we choose to take.The OSP was established in 2017 precisely because Ghana needed a specialised, independent body to tackle corruption, particularly at the highest levels of public office. Since becoming operational, the office has demonstrated that it can deliver results, recovering significant sums of money, disrupting criminal networks and introducing innovative tools to measure corruption risk across public institutions.

But its effectiveness has always been tied to one critical factor – independence.As Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng rightly observed, an anti-corruption institution that depends on the goodwill of politicians for its survival is inherently vulnerable. That vulnerability is not theoretical, it has been borne out by history, from the resignation of the first Special Prosecutor, Martin Amidu, to the persistent political pressure faced by his successor.

This is why President Mahama’s latest comments are so significant. They signal a recognition that the OSP must not only exist, but must be empowered to function fully. Anything less would render it ineffective and a watchdog in name only.

Of course, support for the OSP must go beyond rhetoric. It must translate into concrete legal and constitutional reforms that clearly define and protect its prosecutorial authority. The ongoing constitutional review process presents a unique opportunity to do just that. Ghana cannot afford ambiguity in a matter as critical as the fight against corruption.

At the same time, it must be emphasised that no institution is above scrutiny. The OSP itself must remain transparent, accountable, and open to independent evaluation. Its credibility will ultimately depend not just on the powers it wields, but on how responsibly and effectively it uses them.Still, the broader principle is non-negotiable: Ghana needs a strong, independent anti-corruption body.

The cost of corruption to this country is simply too high to ignore. Billions of dollars are lost annually, resources that could otherwise be invested in healthcare, education, infrastructure, and job creation. The ordinary Ghanaian bears the brunt of this loss, while a privileged few benefit from systemic weaknesses. This is why the fight against corruption cannot be left to institutions alone. It requires political will and that is where leadership matters most.

President Mahama has, in this instance, shown that leadership. By publicly backing the strengthening of the OSP, he has aligned himself with the aspirations of millions of Ghanaians who want a country where accountability is not selective and justice is not negotiable.

The challenge now is for others within government, Parliament, and civil society—to rise to the occasion. Ghana stands at a crossroads. One path leads to weakened institutions, entrenched corruption, and declining public trust. The other leads to stronger systems, greater accountability, and a more just society.

The choice should not be difficult.

The post Editorial: John Mahama’s Stance On The OSP Is Laudable appeared first on The Ghanaian Chronicle.

Read Full Story