Office of the Special Prosecutor Moves to Overturn High Court Ruling on Prosecutorial Powers

The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) says it is taking immediate legal action to challenge a ruling by the High Court in Accra, which directed the Attorney-General’s Department to assume control over criminal prosecutions currently handled by the anti-corruption body.

The decision, delivered on April 15 by Justice John Nyante Nyadu, has triggered legal debate about the scope of the OSP’s prosecutorial authority. The court also awarded costs of GH₵15,000 against the office.

In a statement issued shortly after the ruling, the OSP strongly disagreed with the decision, arguing that the court exceeded its jurisdiction. The office maintained that only the Supreme Court has the authority to declare parts of an Act of Parliament unconstitutional.

The OSP said it is pursuing legal remedies to have the decision set aside quickly, emphasising that its mandate under the Office of the Special Prosecutor Act, 2017 remains valid.

Despite the ruling, the office assured the public that all ongoing and planned prosecutions will continue, noting that its authority remains in force until a final determination is made by the Supreme Court.