Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin has issued a scathing critique of the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), warning that massive budgetary allocations to the anti-corruption body cannot continue without tangible results.
Speaking during Thursday’s parliamentary session on December 4, 2025, Bagbin revisited long-standing concerns about the OSP’s legal foundation and effectiveness, urging lawmakers to confront the issue head-on.
“We cannot continue to allocate those huge sums to the same office when we are not getting the results,” he declared.
OSP vs. Attorney General: Funding Disparity
Bagbin highlighted a glaring imbalance:
The OSP receives nearly the same budget as the Attorney General’s Department — a constitutionally mandated office.
Yet, the OSP has faced criticism for low conviction rates and prolonged investigations.
“This is one of the agencies we should be looking at,” he stressed.
The Speaker reminded MPs of debates during the OSP’s establishment in 2018 under former President Nana Akufo-Addo:
“A number of us stated on the floor that there is no constitutional basis for the OSP. But we wanted to signal to the world that we are fighting corruption.”
Despite initial support, Bagbin said performance has fallen short of the investment.
He urged the Finance Minister and Majority Leader to take note and act:
“Let’s face the bull by the horns and make sure the right thing is done.”
Bagbin praised the House’s decision to hold a committee-of-the-whole (closed-door) sitting to address major concerns, calling it “very, very important.”
“If we do our work well, we’ll curb corruption and hold the executive accountable — not just for money, but for the trust Ghanaians place in leadership.”
The remarks come amid:
The arrest and detention of lawyer Martin Kpebu by the OSP on December 3 — sparking public outrage.
Ongoing debates over the OSP’s independence, mandate, and overlap with the Attorney General’s prosecutorial powers.
Critics, including former Speaker Prof. Mike Oquaye, have called for dissolving the OSP or strengthening the AG’s Department instead.
The OSP, led by Kissi Agyebeng, has defended its record, citing ongoing high-profile cases and asset recoveries.
Parliament is expected to scrutinize the OSP’s 2026 budget allocation in the coming days.
