Adom-Otchere claims NDC’s concerns about OSP stem from fear, not legal grounds

Host of Good Evening Ghana, Paul Adom-Otchere, has argued that the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) is uncomfortable with the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) because of its perceived independence from political influence.

Speaking on Channel One TV’s The Big Issue, he suggested that the party’s current stance is motivated more by concern over the OSP’s assertiveness than by genuine legal objections.

He referenced the ongoing national debate about the OSP’s role in Ghana’s anti-corruption framework, including a case before the Supreme Court of Ghana challenging aspects of its legal authority.

According to him, the NDC did not question the OSP’s powers while in opposition. He noted that during the vetting of Attorney-General Dominic Ayine, concerns about the office’s prosecutorial mandate were not raised, but the party’s position has since changed after assuming power.

Adom-Otchere argued that the party initially supported the OSP when its actions affected members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), but is now uneasy because the same enforcement could apply to its own members.

His comments follow a High Court ruling in Accra directing the Attorney-General to assume control of all criminal prosecutions initiated by the OSP, citing that the office lacks prosecutorial authority.

They also come amid a legal challenge filed by private citizen Noah Adamtey against the Attorney-General, questioning the constitutional basis and scope of the OSP’s powers. The suit argues that, under Article 88 of the Constitution, prosecutorial authority rests solely with the Attorney-General.

With similar concerns raised by the Attorney-General, the matter has placed Ghana’s anti-corruption framework under close judicial examination, with the Supreme Court expected to clarify the limits of authority between the two offices.